Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, August 4, 2011—People with disabilities will gain employability skills through the Government of Canada’s support for work experience projects. The Honourable Ted Menzies, Minister of State (Finance) and Member of Parliament for Macleod, 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 Menzies. “By supporting projects like this, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities maximize their potential and independence.”
With assistance from the federal Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, the EmployABILITY project will consist of needs assessments, employment counseling, job searching, case management and follow-up services for each participant. Project participants will also have the opportunity to further develop and apply their skills through work placements while gaining valuable work experience to help them prepare for lasting employment.
The Yellowknife Association for Community Living will receive $1,152,592 under the Enhanced Employment Assistance Services component of the Opportunities Fund.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Alyson Queen
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
The Government of Canada is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent Canadians with disabilities from reaching their full potential through a wide range of effective policies, programs and services.
The Enhanced Employment Assistance Services 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 to deliver employment-related programs and services to people with disabilities to help them integrate into the workplace.
The Opportunities Fund is part of the Government of Canada’s strategy aimed at building the most educated, most competent and most flexible workforce in the world. The government highlighted its commitment to this strategy in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. One of the key elements of the Plan consists of increasing and improving opportunities available to Canadian workers through skills development. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
