ST JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR, SEPTEMBER 17, 2010—A joint initiative of the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador is helping unemployed older workers learn new skills to assist them in finding and keeping new jobs. Since April 2009, this initiative has supported 22 projects across the province, providing skills training for over 350 people to help them re-enter the workforce.
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, along with the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment for Newfoundland and Labrador, announced that the two levels of government are providing almost $6 million in funding for these projects through the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers.
“When Canadians lose their jobs, we want to help them get back into the workforce as soon as possible,” said Minister MacKay. “Canada’s Economic Action Plan, in partnership with the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, is ensuring that older workers get the support, training and skills development opportunities they need to find jobs and adapt to the changing economy.”
“While Newfoundland and Labrador is doing well overall, the recent period of rapid economic change has resulted in downsizing for certain key industries and key employers in many regions of this province,” said Minister Sullivan. “Workers who have made lifelong contributions to these industries and companies have been the most vulnerable when such downsizing takes place. The projects announced today provide an excellent opportunity for community-based agencies to help these workers transition into new and rewarding careers, which in turn revitalizes regional economies throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
In 2009, Canada’s Economic Action Plan provided an additional $60 million nationally for the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers over three years. The Economic Action Plan is the Government of Canada’s strategy to protect the economy by helping Canadians. To learn more about the Plan, please visit the following website: 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 Targeted Initiative for Older Workers is a federal-provincial/territorial cost-shared initiative that provides employment assistance services and employability improvement activities, such as skills upgrading and work experience, to assist unemployed older workers aged 55 to 64 living in communities experiencing ongoing high unemployment, and/or significant downsizing or closures.
The Government of Canada launched the Initiative in 2006 with a $70-million commitment, and it invested another $90 million in 2008 to extend the Initiative to March 31, 2012. Canada’s Economic Action Plan provided an additional $60 million nationally for this initiative over three years.
To date, approximately 13 400 unemployed older workers across Canada have been helped through the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers.
