SWIFT CURRENT, SASKATCHEWAN, August 24, 2009—People with disabilities will get help preparing for jobs thanks to the Government of Canada’s support for a local employment program. Mr. David Anderson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and for the Canadian Wheat Board and Member of Parliament for Cypress Hills–Grasslands, 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 Mr. Anderson. “By supporting this project, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities maximize their potential and independence.”
The Saskatchewan Abilities Council will receive $45,878 under the Enhanced Employment Assistance Services component of the Opportunities Fund for its Swift Current Branch. This project will help 15 persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain and maintain meaningful employment.
“The Swift Current Branch of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council is pleased to continue their partnership with the Government of Canada in assisting people with disabilities to secure employment,” said Ms. Sandra Brong, Program Manager, Swift Current Branch, Saskatchewan Abilities Council. “Support for the Partners in Employment program not only enables people with disabilities to obtain and maintain employment, but it also leads them to increased self-confidence, financial independence and self-sufficiency.”
The federal government is working with the provinces and territories, community organizations and other 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.
“Our government supports the work of Partners in Employment to assist individuals with disabilities to achieve greater participation in our economy,” said the Honourable Rob Norris, Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour for Saskatchewan. “Saskatchewan’s $229,430 investment in this program provides vital help for workers and employers in the Swift Current area to benefit from the opportunities our province has to offer.”
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 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.
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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 Saskatchewan Abilities Council provides rehabilitation, employment and recreational services to people with disabilities throughout Saskatchewan. Between August 1, 2009, and April 30, 2010, its Swift Current Branch will provide 15 persons with disabilities with a variety of employment‑related services in order to help them prepare for, obtain and maintain meaningful employment.
The Enhanced Employment Assistance Services 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. The Fund assists community organizations and the private sector in supporting projects that help Canadians with disabilities develop the skills and work experience they need to participate in the job market.
