CHESTER, NOVA SCOTIA, June 17, 2009—Unemployed workers facing barriers to employment in Chester will benefit from the Government of Canada’s support for a local employment project. Mr. Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and Member of Parliament for South Shore–St. Margaret’s, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“Canada’s economy is only as strong as its workers and families, so we are committed to strengthening tomorrow’s workforce by investing in Canadians today,” said Mr. Keddy. “We are pleased to help unemployed Nova Scotians develop the skills, knowledge and experience they need to move forward in their lives.”
The South Shore Community Service Association will receive $89,903 under the Government of Canada’s Employment Assistance Services program for its Chester Career Resource Centre. This funding will help the Association provide job search support, skills workshops and other employment services to 200 new clients facing multiple barriers to employment.
“Within our current economic climate, it is even more important for communities to provide proactive and supportive services for job seekers,” said Mr. David Outhouse, Managing Director of the South Shore Community Service Association. “The South Shore Community Service Association offers a range of supportive employment services in Lunenburg County. We are pleased to continue the partnership with the Government of Canada to offer a valuable resource to the residents of the Municipality of Chester, ensuring access to job search supports, strategies and results.”
The federal government works 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.
The Employment Assistance Services program is one of a broad range of Employment Insurance training programs that help unemployed Canadians quickly find work, and develop a skilled labour force that meets current and emerging needs of employers.
It 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.
Currently, the Employment Assistance Services 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, go on the Internet at servicecanada.gc.ca or visit your local Service Canada Centre.
Under the Canada-Nova Scotia Labour Market Development Agreement, effective July 1, 2009, the Province will assume responsibility for the design and delivery of Employment Insurance-funded Employment Benefits and Support Measures. The Government of Canada will provide funding directly to the Province to deliver these programs.
Further information can be found in the attached backgrounder.
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This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
National Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
The South Shore Community Service Association provides instruction, assessment, and other programs to participants 18 years of age and older whose personal, physical or social challenges make it hard to find employment. Between May 31, 2009, and May 29, 2010, the Association will operate a self-serve employment resource centre, the Chester Career Resource Centre, to assist 200 new unemployed individuals in eastern Lunenburg County, by providing job search support, skills workshops, career exploration services and referrals for appropriate interventions based on individual needs. In addition, this funding will allow the organization to continue providing services to approximately 120 existing clients.
The Employment Assistance Services program provides funding to organizations that offer employment services to help clients re-enter the labour market. Funding for the program was provided in the March 2007 federal budget.
All unemployed Canadians have access to a range of services under the program. However, some services are available only to clients who are eligible to receive Employment Insurance benefits, or who have recently been receiving them.
Employment Assistance Services include providing clients with information about the labour market, helping to prepare résumés, career-planning services, employment counselling, diagnostic assessment, help with job search skills, job-finding clubs, and job placement services.
Eligible recipients of the program’s funding are businesses, including federal and provincial/territorial Crown corporations, organizations, individuals, public health and educational institutions, municipal governments, and band/tribal councils, as well as some provincial/territorial government departments and agencies. These entities act as employers or service coordinators under the program.
This project has been reviewed to ensure compliance with Service Canada’s administration of its grants and contributions programs, and is subject to review under the Financial Administration Act.
