Sarnia, Ontario—The Government of Canada will help people with disabilities gain the skills they need to get jobs in Sarnia through support to Community Living Sarnia-Lambton. Patricia Davidson, Member of Parliament for Sarnia–Lambton, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“Our government’s top priorities are job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity,” said Ms. Davidson. “That is why, through Economic Action Plan 2012, we are providing the Opportunities Fund with an additional $30 million over three years.”
Community Living Sarnia-Lambton’s jobStart project is receiving close to $275,000 through the federal Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities to help 36 individuals obtain work-skills assessment, job coaching and support services to help them get jobs.
“Without Service Canada’s support, there is no way that Community Living Sarnia-Lambton would be able to offer the jobStart workshop for our community members who want to be included in the workforce,” said Bob Vansickle, Supervisor of Community Employment Options, Community Living Sarnia-Lambton. “jobStart changes people’s lives through the power of work.”
The Government of Canada is improving labour market opportunities for Canadians with disabilities through a wide range of effective policies, programs and services including the Opportunities Fund and labour market agreements with provinces and territories.
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For more information, contact:
Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and
Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities assists people with disabilities who have little or no labour force attachment to prepare for, obtain and keep employment or to become self-employed. The Government invests $30 million annually through this program to connect individuals with the skills and work experience needed to participate fully in the economy.
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 help people with disabilities integrate into the workplace.
Through Economic Action Plan 2012, the Government of Canada is investing an additional $30 million over three years in the Opportunities Fund to enable more Canadians with disabilities to obtain work experience with small and medium-sized businesses. This will help ensure employers are aware of the invaluable contribution persons with disabilities can make to their business and the Canadian economy.
The Government is also establishing a panel on labour market opportunities for people with disabilities to identify private-sector successes and best practices with regard to their participation in the labour market.
To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
