CALGARY, ALBERTA, April 7, 2010—People with disabilities will get help preparing for jobs as a result of the Government of Canada’s support for Calgary Alternative Support Services (CASS). The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre-North, 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 Minister Prentice. “By supporting this project, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities maximize their potential and independence.”
CASS will receive $188,061 under the Enhanced Employment Assistance Services component of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. This project will help 23 people with disabilities gain the skills they need to obtain jobs.
“CASS provides support and assistance for people with disabilities to explore, choose and achieve sustainable career goals,” said Mr. Sean McEwen, Career Development Manager for Calgary Alternative Support Services. “The workforce inclusion of those we serve strengthens business through diversity and new perspectives, and it is our direct experience that employers are extremely satisfied with the employees they find through our services.”
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 get jobs and contribute to the 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 with disabilities from reaching their full potential with a wide range of effective policies, programs and services.
The Fund 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.
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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
Calgary Alternative Support Services is a non-profit organization that delivers individualized support services that promote the individuality, inclusion and quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities. Between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2011, the organization will deliver enhanced employment assistance services and work experience placements to help 23 people with disabilities gain the skills they need to enter the labour market.
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 is available to eligible organizations to deliver employment-related programs and services that help people with disabilities integrate into the workplace.
