SUMMERSIDE, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, August 6, 2009—Today, Senator Mike Duffy, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, celebrated the completed renovation of the Boys and Girls Club of Summerside’s gymnasium. Funded under the Canada-Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement, this project provided four unemployed workers with the opportunity to develop the skills and experience they need to find and maintain employment in construction trades.
“Our government supports Canadians, especially in these challenging times, and helps them contribute to the quality of life in their communities,” said Senator Duffy. “Not only did this project provide work experience for unemployed Islanders, these facilities will serve this community for years to come.”
The Boys and Girls Club of Summerside received $88,475 in Job Creation Partnerships funding to support the renovation of its gym and basement. The City of Summerside provided $10,000, while the provincial Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development provided an additional $20,000 through its Community Development Fund.
“The Summerside Boys and Girls Club has an excellent track record of providing important services for youth in the community,” said Ms. Janice Sherry, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Summerside–Wilmot, on behalf of the Honourable Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning. “The Government of Prince Edward Island is pleased to provide funding that will benefit all club members in the greater Summerside area. This project has also allowed participants to gain valuable work experience in the construction industry.”
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.
“Our organization has been overwhelmed by the support received from the federal, provincial and municipal governments that has allowed these renovations to take place,” said Mr. Adam Binkley, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Summerside. “No major renovations have taken place since the 70’s with regards to our gymnasium and basement. This funding received in 2009 has provided our club with a beautiful and safe new gymnasium, a one-of-a-kind multi-use basement, a new air ventilation system, a kitchen, a movie theatre, a games room and a weight room. Without the funding from the federal and provincial governments, combined with the strong backing of our entire city, these renovations would not have been possible.”
The Job Creation Partnerships program offers participants valuable work experience and 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 which is to create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development.
The Job Creation Partnerships 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.
- 30 -
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 Boys and Girls Club of Summerside is a charitable non-profit organization located in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, and is affiliated with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. The Job Creation Partnerships program provided four participants with a meaningful work experience in the construction trades industry between December 1, 2008, and April 24, 2009. Participants gained construction and carpentry skills that will assist them in pursuing employment or educational opportunities. The lasting legacy of the project is a renovated facility that will be used to promote the development of local youth in a safe environment.
The Job Creation Partnerships program supports projects that create jobs for unemployed, Employment Insuance-eligible individuals so they can gain meaningful work experience. While the primary focus is on helping participants, funded projects must also benefit the larger community.
This program is funded through the Canada-Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement, which is co-managed by Service Canada and the provincial Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning. Under the Agreement, the federal and provincial governments manage labour market development programs and services in Prince Edward Island. These programs and services are funded by the Government of Canada and delivered by Service Canada through local Service Canada Centres.
