POWELL RIVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, March 26, 2010—Local youth will have the opportunity to benefit from strengthened community support services and learn about career opportunities in the trades and technology sectors thanks to support from the Government of Canada. Mr. John Weston, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“I’m proud of our youth and families in Powell River and it’s great to see them re-establishing here. Today, I’m honoured to announce that our Government is supporting these Canadians, giving them the skills and information they need to pursue the best career for them,” said Mr. Weston. “I look forward to continuing to work with partners to create positive opportunities for youth and families.”
The Government of Canada, through the Children and Families component of the Social Development Partnerships Program, will contribute $492,627 towards a project by the Powell River Child, Youth and Family Services Society entitled Integrated Community Supports for At-Risk Youth. With this investment, the organization will improve and strengthen existing community services, programs and supports. As a result, at-risk youth will have the opportunity to become more involved in programs and services, such as mentoring programs and support groups.
“For the past several years, our staff have been asked to assist increasing numbers of at-risk youth who are living in difficult or dangerous situations in the community,” said Ms. Wendy Barker, Administrator for the Society. “We are very pleased to have the opportunity and the funding to develop a strong, integrated, and evidence-based plan for providing a community of support for these young people.”
Mr. Weston also highlighted funding of $18,123 to Brooks Secondary School, through the Government of Canada’s Youth Awareness program, to organize the Powell River Youth Career Fair. The Fair introduced youth to a variety of post-secondary choices and career options, and labour market information that will help them with career planning and facilitate their transition into the workforce.
“We have expanded our career education options, and our goal is to bridge the gap between high school and the workplace,” said Mr. Jay Yule, Superintendent of Schools, School District 47 – Powell River. “This grant moves us closer to our goal by allowing students the opportunity to explore career paths and make choices regarding their future while in high school.”
The federal government is working with the provinces and territories, community organizations and other stakeholders to provide Canadians with the training, skills and opportunities they need to participate in the workforce and contribute to their communities.
In 2009, the Government of Canada approved more than $17 million for 37 projects across Canada under the Social Development Partnerships Program. Through the Program, the Government supports community not-for-profit organizations in the development of innovative solutions and the sharing of knowledge that will benefit children, families and communities. For more information about the Social Development Partnerships Program, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca.
Youth Awareness 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. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
The Youth Awareness 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, visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca, call 1 800 O-Canada or drop by your local Service Canada Centre.
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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
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
Social Development Partnerships Program – Children and Families component
The Children and Families component of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada’s Social Development Partnerships Program helps to improve the lives of children and families across the country by investing in organizations that support the well-being of Canadians. Projects range from developing a better understanding of the issues Canadians face, to providing greater access to information, programs and services.
Together with the Disability component of the Social Development Partnerships Program, the funding allocated under the Children and Families component demonstrates that individuals, families and communities continue to be a priority of the Government of Canada.
The 2009 Call for Proposals for the Children and Families component of the Social Development Partnerships Program had three priorities:
- supporting families with children: initiatives that help families to promote well-being, maximize potential and develop productive citizens;
- caregiving over the life course: supporting families caring for elderly or disabled family members while managing work/other responsibilities; and
- strengthening not-for-profit organizations: developing and sharing best practices and innovative business models/approaches to strengthen organizational resiliency during the current economic crisis.
Youth Awareness program
The Youth Awareness program, funded under Employment Insurance Part II, provides financial assistance for projects designed to address specific labour market requirements facing communities. These projects aim to promote youth as the workforce of the future among recipients, employers, communities and young Canadians.
