BRANTFORD, ONTARIO, May 1, 2010—People with disabilities will get help starting their own business as a result of the Government of Canada’s support for L. Tara Hooper and Associates. Mr. Phil McColeman, Member of Parliament for Brant, 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. McColeman. “By supporting this project, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities maximize their potential and independence.”
L. Tara Hooper and Associates will receive $33,491 under the Self-Employment component of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. This project will help eight people with disabilities acquire the information and gain the skills they need to become self-employed.
“I am thrilled we received funding for our self-employment program,” said Ms. Lisa Tara Hooper, President, L. Tara Hooper and Associates. “More persons with disabilities are exploring the idea of self-employment and are eager to become self-reliant entrepreneurs. Many people with disabilities require assistance in entering the labour market, and a program such as ours provides them the support they need to reach their goal.”
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.
- 30 -
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
Established in 1997, L. Tara Hooper and Associates is an employment company that provides specialized services and programs for both individuals with disabilities and organizations concerned with people with disabilities. Between April 19, 2010, and April 15, 2011, the organization will provide eight individuals with disabilities with employment assistance services and one-on-one support to enable them to prepare for, obtain and maintain self-employment. This will be accomplished through coaching, mentoring and individual sessions focusing on the development of a business plan.
The Self-Employment 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 that provide technical and consultative expertise to eligible participants to help them assess, develop and implement their business plan.
