ABBOTSFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA, May 29, 2009—Youth in Abbotsford will benefit from the Government of Canada’s support for a local employment project. Mr. Ed Fast, Member of Parliament for Abbotsford, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“In today’s environment, it is more important than ever that young Canadians have the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market,” said Mr. Fast. “We are proud to help the youth of Abbotsford develop the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to reach their full potential.”
The Mennonite Central Committee of British Columbia will receive $409,174 in federal Skills Link funding to support its Youth Keep Working program, which will help up to 40 youth facing employment barriers prepare for and find meaningful employment.
The organization is also providing $24,699 for the project. “Youth need skills, confidence and the right attitude to succeed in today’s competitive job market,” said Mr. John Dawson, Director of Employment and Community Development, Mennonite Central Committee of British Columbia. “Youth Keep Working gives them the edge they require to find work.”
The federal government is working with the provinces and territories, communities and other stakeholders to provide Canadians with the training, skills and opportunities they need to participate in the workforce and contribute to their communities.
As part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy, the Skills Link program is one of three Government of Canada programs that help young Canadians facing barriers to employment obtain career information, develop skills, gain work experience, find good jobs and stay employed.
The program is part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. The Government underscored its commitment to this strategy in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. A key component of the Plan is to create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development.
The Skills Link program is delivered by Service Canada, which provides one-stop personalized services for Government of Canada programs, services and benefits. For more information about this program, call 1‑800-O-Canada, visit servicecanada.gc.ca or drop by your local Service Canada Centre.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
The Mennonite Central Committee of British Columbia (MCC BC) is a well-established, non-profit organization with offices across the province. It is community-based and has developed strong working relationships with employers, organizations and other service providers in Abbotsford. MCC BC has established a reputation for successfully delivering a range of employability programs and services to a diverse client group, including youth who face multiple barriers to employment.
As part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy, the Skills Link program is one of three Government of Canada programs that help young Canadians facing barriers to employment obtain career information, develop skills, gain work experience, find good jobs and stay employed.
Skills Link focuses on helping youth facing barriers to employment, such as single parents, Aboriginal youth, young persons with disabilities, recent immigrants, youth living in rural and remote areas and youth who have dropped out of high school. It offers a client-centred approach based on assessing an individual’s specific needs. The program supports youth in developing basic and advanced employment skills. Eligible participants between 15 and 30 years of age—who are not receiving Employment Insurance benefits—are assisted through a coordinated approach, offering longer-term supports and services that can help them find and keep a job.
MCC BC has had Skills Link agreements in Abbotsford, Richmond and Vancouver, with previous agreements achieving good results and the agreement holders meeting or exceeding their target goal.
