Selkirk, Manitoba, December 9, 2011—Ten federally and provincially-funded projects will support unemployed older workers in small communities in Manitoba by helping them develop their skills and get back into the labour market.
The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety and Regional Minister for Manitoba, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, together with the Honourable Peter Bjornson, Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade today announced joint funding of $2.9 million for these projects under the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers.
“Our government’s top priority remains Canada’s economic recovery and we continue to take action to support Canadian jobs and families,” said Minister Toews. “Together, with the Province of Manitoba, we are helping unemployed older workers in small communities across Manitoba get the support, training and skills development opportunities they need to find jobs and re-enter the workforce.”
“Manitoba recognizes older workers as a key component to addressing labour and skill shortages in our growing economy,” said Bjornson. “These investments in education and training for older workers will help them maximize their ability to participate in the workforce.”
Approximately 350 unemployed older workers from a number of communities in Manitoba will benefit from these projects. Participants will take part in skills-enhancement training that includes career development activities, computer skills training and assistance with job search and subsidized work placements. Through this investment, both levels of government are working together to ensure that the older workers remain active and productive labour market participants.
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.
For more information on these projects in Manitoba, please visit www.manitoba.ca/employment
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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
Jodee Mason
Cabinet Communications
Province of Manitoba
204-945-1494
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills DevelopmentCanada
819-994-5559
The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) is a federal‑provincial/territorial cost‑shared initiative that provides employment assistance services and employability improvement activities, such as skills upgrading and work experience, to assist unemployed older workers aged 55 to 64 living in a city or town with a population of 250,000 or less that is experiencing high unemployment and/or significant downsizing or closures.
The Government of Canada launched the TIOW in 2006 with a $70-million commitment and 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 this initiative over three years.
To further help unemployed older workers, in Budget 2011, the Government of Canada announced that it is extending the TIOW, providing $50 million over the next two years until March 31, 2014.
To date, TIOW has targeted over 16,000 unemployed older workers in Canada.
Below is a list of projects being announced.
