SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN, September 3, 2010 - People with disabilities will get help developing job skills as a result of the Government of Canada's support for the Saskatoon Branch of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council. The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Western Economic Diversification) and Member of Parliament for Blackstrap, 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 of State Yelich. "By supporting this project, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities maximize their potential and independence."
The Saskatoon Branch of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council will receive $61,462 under the Community Coordinator component of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. This project will help 14 individuals with disabilities gain the skills they need to obtain jobs.
"The Saskatoon Branch of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council is pleased to accept funding from the Government of Canada to enhance the employability skills of persons with disabilities," said Ms. Janine Baumann, Program Manager, Saskatoon Branch, Saskatchewan Abilities Council. "The funding will assist people with employment barriers by teaching them the skills needed to enter the workforce and maintain employment."
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 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
The Saskatchewan Abilities Council works with people of varying abilities to enhance their independence and participation in the community through vocational, rehabilitation and recreational services. From August 30, 2010, to April 29, 2011, the project participants will benefit from case management services and gain hands-on experience with private sector employers, in order to help them prepare for employment or return to school.
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.
