Toronto, Ontario, December 16, 2011—People who face barriers to employment will get work experience through government support for two employment initiatives. The announcement was made by the Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“Our government remains focused on job creation and Canada’s economic recovery. Youth and people with disabilities are at a disadvantage when it comes to finding good jobs, and it is necessary that we continue to invest in programs that address barriers to employment,” said Minister Oliver. “Through initiatives such as these at Jewish Vocational Service Toronto, we are helping Canadians develop the skills they need so they can overcome obstacles and maximize their potential.”
Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) Toronto’s Asperger’s Job Readiness Program will receive more than $182,000 in federal funding from the Enhanced Employment Assistance Services component of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. JVS Toronto will also receive over $98,000 in Skills Link funding for its youth employment project.
"JVS Toronto has a long history of helping people with disabilities find jobs. We are thrilled to be the recipients of funding from HRSDC to further support our clients with Aspergers," said Frank Markel, President and CEO, JVS Toronto. "We realize that people with Aspergers can find meaningful work and through this initiative our clients will be given the tools to succeed in the workplace."
The Opportunities Fund contribution will provide work experience tailored to meet the needs of 16 people with disabilities. The Asperger’s Job Readiness Program will help participants prepare for, obtain and maintain jobs. The federal Skills Link program will help 10 youth develop the skills and experience needed to find a job or the confidence to return to school. Participants will work one-on-one with career counsellors to develop action plans that will help them reach their employment and educational goals.
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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
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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 can help eligible organizations deliver employment-related programs and services that assist people with disabilities to integrate into the workplace.
As part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy, the Skills Link program helps young Canadians, particularly those facing barriers to employment, obtain career information, develop skills, gain work experience, find good jobs and stay employed.
These employment programs are also part of the Government of Canada’s broader strategy to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. The Government highlighted its commitment to this strategy in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. 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.
