Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, January 9, 2012—The Government of Canada is helping people with disabilities in Bridgewater develop the skills and experience they need to find jobs.
Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore–St. Margaret’s, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced that the Employment Solutions Society will receive more than $144,000 through the Government’s Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities.
“Our government’s top priority is jobs and the economy. We know that in a constantly evolving labour market, it’s important that Canadians get the skills and training they need to succeed,” said Mr. Keddy. “By supporting this project, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities maximize their potential and independence.”
“Employment Solutions Society has been working with individuals with disabilities for the last 17 years as a Community Coordinator, assisting clients with funding to find employment within Lunenburg and Queens Counties,” said Margaret Matthews, Executive Director of Employment Solutions Society. “This past year, we have expanded our programs to work with clients with disabilities in the Windsor and Hants County regions. Funding will assist clients in both regions gain skills and employment.”
With assistance from the federal Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, the Employment Solutions Society will help 25 people with disabilities develop their work skills so they can participate in the job market or return to school.
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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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Margaret Matthews
Executive Director
Employment Solutions Society
902-543-2479
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.
