Nanaimo, British Columbia, January 23, 2012—A Government of Canada investment will help 110 people with disabilities on Vancouver Island and the Upper Sunshine Coast get training so they can get jobs or become self-employed.
James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo–Alberni, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced that the BC Centre for Ability Foundation will receive over $1.3 million through the Government’s Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities.
“Our government’s top priority is job creation and economic growth. In today’s environment, it is important that all Canadians have the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market,” said Mr. Lunney. “Our partnership with the BC Centre for Ability Foundation will help our neighbours and friends maximize their potential and independence.”
The Opportunities Fund is one of a number of Government of Canada skills development measures that help Canadians overcome barriers to the workforce.
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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 Government of Canada is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent Canadians with disabilities from reaching their full potential with a wide range of effective policies, programs and services.
The Community Coordinator component of the Opportunities Fund is designed to support projects that help Canadians with disabilities develop a broad range of skills and work experience they need to participate in the job market. It is available to eligible organizations that enter into agreements with eligible participants and employers in support of activities that further Opportunities Fund objectives.
The Opportunities Fund is part of the Government of Canada’s strategy for 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.
