CALGARY, ALBERTA, January 7, 2010—People with disabilities will get help preparing for jobs thanks to the Government of Canada’s support for a local employment program. Mr. Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Calgary East, 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. Obhrai. “By supporting this project, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities maximize their potential and independence.”
Prospect Human Services Society will receive $200,407 under the Enhanced Employment Assistance Services component of the Opportunities Fund. This project will provide 48 persons with intellectual disabilities with a chance to gain the skills they need to obtain jobs.
“Studio C would like to thank the Government of Canada for its support in making Art Recruits possible,” said Mr. Alexi Davis, Manager of Disability Services, Prospect Human Services Society. “This one-of-a-kind project will achieve employment outcomes for Calgary’s mental health population, all through the process of community collaboration and the practice of art.”
The federal government is working with the provinces and territories, community organizations and other stakeholders to help ensure 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 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
Prospect Human Services Society identifies challenges faced by groups of individuals, and provides them with the services and support they need to break down those barriers. Between October 26, 2009, and April 22, 2011, the organization, through its Art Recruits project, will provide 48 individuals with intellectual disabilities with enhanced employment assistance services and one‑on‑one support services to help them integrate into the workplace.
The Enhanced Employment Assistance Services component of the 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.
