MONTAGUE, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, August 4, 2009—On behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), Senator Mike Duffy and the Honourable Neil LeClair, Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development for Prince Edward Island, celebrated the funding today during the official opening of a Montague Waterfront building. Funded under the Canada-Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement, this project provided six unemployed workers with the opportunity to develop the skills and experience they need to find and maintain employment in construction trades.
“Our government is proud to work with its provincial and community partners to support Canadians in difficult times and contribute to the quality of life in their communities,” said Senator Duffy. “Not only did this project provide work experience for unemployed Islanders, it will help Montague develop its tourism potential and serve the community for years to come.”
The Montague Waterfront Development Corporation received $118,775 in Job Creation Partnerships funding to support the building of a new community facility on the Montague Waterfront. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency provided $60,000 through its Innovative Communities Fund, while the Province provided an additional $20,000.
“The Government of Prince Edward Island is committed to providing training and skills development opportunities to give Islanders work experience that will help them get long-term employment,” said Minister LeClair. “Additional funding from the Department to construct this new hosting facility in the community will create economic development opportunities for the Montague area.”
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.
“We are very excited about this new building as it will be a great asset to our town,” said Mr. Al Roach, Board Member of the Montague Waterfront Development Corporation. “I would like to thank the federal and provincial governments, as well as the Town of Montague, for their contributions. Without the financial support, this project would not have been completed.”
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.
The Innovative Communities Fund builds on the strengths of communities and provides the tools needed to identify opportunities available for their sustainable economic growth. For more information about this program call 1 800 O‑Canada or visit the Web site of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency at the following: www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca.
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
Since the incoporation of the Montague Waterfront Development Corporation, its volunteer board has overseen the restoration of the old railway station to provide space for retail outlets; an office for the water tours company; and washroom, shower and laundry facilities for the marina, which was developed to provide better facilities for touring yachts and local boaters and a terminus for tour operations. Additionally, the Corporation has overseen the development of the Waterfront’s park for the enjoyment of locals and tourists alike, and the gazebo has provided a stage for a wide variety of community events.
Between March 9, 2009, and July 10, 2009, six Employment Insurance-eligible workers developed trade skills through 18 weeks of work experience building and landscaping a one-storey building and deck on the Montague Waterfront. This latest facility will enable the Town of Montague to host bus tours, community events and festivals.
The Job Creation Partnerships program supports projects that create jobs for unemployed, insured individuals that provide opportunities to 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.
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency works to create opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping businesses become more competitive, innovative and productive, by working with diverse communities to develop and diversify local economies, and by championing the strengths of Atlantic Canada.
