LA RONGE, SASKATCHEWAN, JUNE 7, 2010—People with disabilities will get help preparing for jobs as a result of the Government of Canada’s support for the Gary Tinker Federation for the Disabled Inc. Mr. Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethé–Missinippi–Churchill River, 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. Clarke. “By supporting this project, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities maximize their potential and independence.”
The Gary Tinker Federation for the Disabled Inc. will receive $49,424 under the Community Coordinator component of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. This project will help four people with disabilities gain the skills they need to obtain jobs.
“We are thankful for the funding and are very proud to have this type of project in our community,” said Mr. Gary Tinker, Founder and Vice-Chairperson of the Gary Tinker Federation for the Disabled Inc. “The participants in this project are thankful to have a job and to be participating as full citizens in the community.”
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
A non-profit organization established in 1989, the Gary Tinker Federation for the Disabled Inc. aims to make long-term improvements in the lives of persons with disabilities in Northern Saskatchewan by identifying and addressing their unique needs. Between May 17 and November 12, 2010, the Federation will coordinate work experience placements and job coaching for four people with disabilities, and provide them with case management.
The Community Coordinator component of the Opportunities Fund is designed to support projects that help Canadians with disabilities develop a broad range of skills and work experience they need to participate in the job market. It is available to eligible organizations that enter into agreements with eligible participants and employers in support of activities that further Opportunities Fund objectives.
