CALGARY, ALBERTA, AUGUST 30, 2010—Calgary youth will have the opportunity to meet local employers and explore career opportunities thanks to support from the Government of Canada. Mr. Lee Richardson, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre, 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 young Canadians have the skills and information they need to participate and succeed in the job market,” said Mr. Richardson. “Our government is proud to support activities like this one that benefit both employers and youth.”
The Talent Pool Development Society of Calgary will receive $49,500 through the Government of Canada’s Youth Awareness program to organize the city’s annual Career Show. The event will introduce youth to a variety of local employers, as well as employment opportunities and career possibilities available in the region.
“This year, the focus of the show is on careers, providing young people with information and, most importantly, telling them what they must do to prepare for a career of their choice,” said Ms. Julie Ball, Executive Director of the Talent Pool Development Society of Calgary. “It is particularly important to tell people what they can do now to qualify for certain careers in the future, because when the economy strengthens, companies will want to hire people with the necessary skills and education.”
“The Province is proud to support the Calgary Career Show, and to connect all Albertans, including youth, with the jobs, career choices and opportunities that exist in today’s labour market,” said the Honourable Thomas Lukaszuk, Minister of Employment and Immigration for Alberta. “The Government of Alberta is providing $65,000 in funding for the Career Show as part of the Labour Market Partnerships Program. Employment and Immigration staff will be on hand at the show to talk to Albertans about career options and employment opportunities in the Calgary labour market.”
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.
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 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
The 2010 Career Show, taking place from October 29 to 30, will consist of information sessions led by representatives from different occupations, as well as booths from various employers, educational institutions and professional groups. The show will also include the Career Exploration Zone, an innovative exhibit where attendees will be able to physically try out aspects of certain careers. The event is expected to draw approximately 4 000 visitors.
The Youth Awareness program, funded under Employment Insurance Part II, provides financial assistance for projects designed to address specific labour market requirements facing communities, and aims to promote youth as the workforce of the future among recipients, employers, communities and young Canadians.
