Regina, Saskatchewan, September 1, 2011—Unemployed older workers in Regina will get help to develop their skills and re-enter the workforce thanks to a project jointly funded by the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan.
Mr. Ray Boughen, Member of Parliament for Palliser, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Rob Norris, Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration for Saskatchewan, today announced joint funding of $135,000 for a project under the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers.
“Jobs and growth remain a top priority for the Government of Canada,” said Mr. Boughen. “We are pleased to work in partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan to help unemployed older workers in Regina participate in skills training and employment activities that will help them re-enter the workforce.”
“The provincial government is committed to ensuring Saskatchewan residents, regardless of age, have the opportunity to participate in Saskatchewan’s growing economy,” said Minister Norris. “With the lowest unemployment rate in the country and our record population, older workers are able to contribute to our labour market and experience the Saskatchewan advantage first-hand.”
As part of the project “Put Your Wisdom to Work—Re-entering the Workforce”, 15 unemployed older workers aged 55 to 64 will have the opportunity to learn new skills, such as computer skills and how to start a business. They will also participate in a job-shadow component with an employer. ^
The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers is part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. For more information, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/employment/employment_measures/older_workers.
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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
Marieka Barrie
Ministry of Advanced Education,
Employment and Immigration
306-798-3170
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and
Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
The Government of Canada launched the TIOW 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 the TIOW over three years.
To further help unemployed older workers, in Budget 2011 the Government of Canada announced that it is extending the TIOW by $50 million over two years, until March 31, 2014.
To date, the TIOW has targeted over 15,700 unemployed older workers in Canada.
