KEREMEOS, BRITISH COLUMBIA, June 10, 2009—A local person with disabilities will get help preparing for long-term work thanks to a grant from the Government of Canada’s Opportunities Fund. The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade, Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Member of Parliament for Okanagan–Coquihalla, 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 all Canadians have the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market,” said Minister Day. “By supporting projects like this one, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities maximize their potential and independence.”
Keremeos Hotel 2004 Ltd. will receive $1,560 under the Wage Subsidy component of the Opportunities Fund to hire a person with disabilities to perform general kitchen duties. It is expected that the skills and experience gained will lead to ongoing employment for this participant.
The federal government is working with stakeholders to make sure that Canadians get the training, skills and opportunities they need to participate in the workforce and contribute to the quality of life in their communities.
The Opportunities Fund helps support an array of activities, such as increasing employability skills, providing work experience and preparing individuals for self‑employment. The Government of Canada is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent Canadians from reaching their full potential with a wide range of effective policies, programs and services tailored to people with disabilities.
The Fund 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 this commitment in January when it introduced Canada’s Economic Action Plan. A key component of the Plan is to create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development.
A backgrounder is attached.
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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
Keremeos Hotel 2004 Ltd. is located in the village of Keremeos in south-central British Columbia. In addition to being a hub for travel all over the region, the village is a sought-after tourist destination that hosts several events and activities throughout the year. The hotel will provide a person with disabilities with 26 weeks of work experience that should lead to ongoing employment, enabling a successful transition to the labour force.
The Wage Subsidy component of the $30-million Opportunities Fund is designed to help Canadians with disabilities who have little or no work experience, and who are not eligible for Employment Insurance benefits. This subsidy encourages employers to hire workers they may not otherwise have hired. The Fund works with community organizations and the private sector to support projects that help Canadians with disabilities develop the skills and work experience they need to participate in the job market. The Opportunities Fund is an important employment element of the Disability Agenda for the Government of Canada.
