Regina, Saskatchewan, November 25, 2011—Ray Boughen, Member of Parliament for Palliser, and the Honourable Laura Ross, Minister of Government Services for Saskatchewan, today congratulated 15 older workers who graduated from a project jointly sponsored by the federal and provincial governments that helped them learn new skills to re-enter the workforce.
“Our government’s top priority is creating jobs and the economy growth and, in a constantly evolving labour market, it is important that Canadians have the skills they need to succeed,” said Mr. Boughen. “This is why we are proud of these graduates who are now better prepared to re-enter the workforce.”
Mr. Boughen, who represented the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and Minister Ross, who represented the Honourable Rob Norris, Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration, were joined by the Honourable Dr. Gordon Barnhart, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, at Dimension 11, the human resources company that led the project.
“The provincial government is committed to ensuring that more Saskatchewan residents have the opportunity to participate in Saskatchewan’s growing economy,” said Minister Ross, on behalf of Minister Norris. “These graduates have developed the skills needed to help meet their personal objectives and re-enter the workforce.”
Under the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers, the two governments provided $135,000 for Put Your Wisdom to Work – Re-entering the Workforce. Participants were taught new skills, such as computer skills, résumé writing, and networking and interview skills. Job-shadowing with an employer was also part of their curriculum.
The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers is part of the Government of Canada’s broader strategy to create an educated, skilled and flexible workforce. The Government highlighted its commitment to this strategy in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. To date, this program has helped more than 16 000 unemployed older workers retrain for new careers.
A key element of the Plan includes 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.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For more information, contact:
Alyson Queen
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Marieka Andrew
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
306-798-3170
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
