DAUPHIN, MANITOBA, March 15, 2011 - People with disabilities will get work experience through support from the governments of Canada and Manitoba for an employment program. The Honourable Gord Mackintosh, Minister of Family Services and Consumer Affairs for Manitoba, and Mr. Robert Sopuck, Member of Parliament for Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, made the announcement today.
"Manitoba believes very strongly in the full participation of all our citizens," said Minister Mackintosh. "This is just one of the many ways we are helping Manitobans obtain training and enriching their life experiences by giving them the opportunity to gain employment."
"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. Sopuck. "By supporting this program, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities maximize their potential and independence."
With assistance from the federal Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, and the Province's marketAbilities Fund and Community Places Program, 10 participants will develop job skills and gain hands-on experience through the Almost New Store's pre employment program. This program helps participants learn to sort, clean, price and sell items that are donated to the store by community members. Many participants have used these skills to successfully move on to other jobs in the community.
The Almost New Store will receive $20,000 from the Government of Canada under the Employment Assistance Services component of the Opportunities Fund, and nearly $60,000 from the Province of Manitoba through the marketAbilities Fund and the Community Places Program.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Ryan Sparrow
Director of Communications
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
Glen Cassie
Communications Services Manitoba
204-945-0750
