Sudbury, Ontario, March 22, 2012—Parliamentary Secretary Kellie Leitch, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced a Government of Canada investment to help people in Sudbury and North Bay develop job skills to overcome barriers to employment.
“Our Government’s top priority is job creation and economic growth – and that includes doing everything possible to get Canadians back to work,” said Dr. Leitch. “As we face significant demographic shifts in Canada, we must think about the future workforce and how we can ensure our programs support Canadians to be active in the workforce.”
Skills Link is a Government of Canada program that helps Canadians develop the skills they need to get jobs. Through this program, the Ontario March of Dimes will be receiving over $920,000 in Skills Link funding for its two projects in Sudbury and North Bay to help youth overcome barriers to employment and enter the job market.
“These projects illustrate how the Government is taking action to build a stronger and more inclusive workforce, which is vital for Canada’s long-term prosperity,” said Dr. Leitch.
The Government of Canada works with community organizations because they are best placed to identify labour shortages and respond to local challenges. With an annual investment of more than $300 million, the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy is helping youth get jobs now and prepare for the workforce of tomorrow.
Today’s youth are tomorrow’s workforce, so by investing in them we are helping contribute to Canada’s long-term growth, competitiveness and overall prosperity.
While making the announcement at Ontario March of Dimes, Dr. Leitch also outlined the impact that changing demographics – such as an aging population, skills shortages and high unemployment in some regions – will have on the Canadian labour market.
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For further information (media only):
Alyson Queen
Director of Communications
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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