SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN, July 19, 2010 - People with disabilities will get help preparing for jobs as a result of the Government of Canada's support for the City of Saskatoon. Mr. Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Wanuskewin, 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. Vellacott. "By supporting this project, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities maximize their potential and independence."
The City of Saskatoon will receive $4,356 under the Work Experience component of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. Through this funding, an individual with disabilities will have the opportunity to work as a butterfly garden attendant, helping this person gain the skills and experience needed to obtain and maintain employment.
"The City of Saskatoon continually works with our community partners, the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work and the federal government in providing meaningful employment for persons with disabilities," said Mr. John Moran, Manager, Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo. "It also works with them to enhance the quality of service for the visitors to the Butterfly Gallery at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo."
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
In partnership with the Government of Canada, the City of Saskatoon proactively seeks opportunities for persons with disabilities to gain meaningful and long-term employment. This project will take place at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo from June 12 to September 17, 2010.
The Work Experience 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 opportunities for people with disabilities to gain unpaid work experience leading to potential employment.
