Speaking notes
for
the Honourable Diane Finley
Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development
to announce
help for 1,600 Canadians with Disabilities to get jobs
Calgary, Alberta
October 10, 2012
9:30 a.m.
Hi folks!
I’m very happy to be here today with Calgary Alternative Support Services, and I would like to thank them for hosting today’s celebration—a celebration of our diverse workforce.
For years, Calgary Alternative Support Services has been steadfast in its efforts on behalf of those with disabilities, bringing job seekers and employers together. Your work has helped many facing barriers to reach their potential and contribute to our workforce.
Like you, the Harper Government believes in removing barriers and supporting those with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives where they can actively contribute to their communities.
People with disabilities need opportunities to train and opportunities to work.
Most of all, they need opportunities to develop their skills.
This is especially true in today’s economic climate. Calgary Alternative Support Services’ work is proving to be very significant not only to the well-being of local communities, but to the well-being of Canada as a whole.
Nationally speaking, our economic performance has been far better than that of many countries around the world, particularly in Europe.
In fact, since July 2009, over 820,000 new jobs have been created in Canada.
However, Canada is still facing significant challenges that threaten our economic growth.
Here at home, we are facing high unemployment in some regions, and labour shortages in others.
And, in some cases, we are also facing the paradox of labour shortages in areas of high unemployment.
And we’re working to address that.
Our top priorities are job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity, and we know that employers across this country are looking for workers.
Through discussions with employers, it is clear that skills shortages are top of mind.
I don’t need to reinforce that message here in Calgary – as you’re living and breathing that reality every day.
And yet, according to a recent survey by the Bank of Montreal, 56% of small businesses in Canada have never hired anyone with a disability. When asked why they hadn’t, the most common answer from small business owners was that they don’t know how to recruit them.
In order to support Calgary’s – and Canada’s – continued economic growth, we must ensure that everyone who wants to work has the opportunity to do so, including under-represented groups such as persons with disabilities. That includes working with small business owners to help connect willing workers with jobs.
As you can imagine, even at the best of times, it’s hard for a person with a disability to break into the job market. And the economic downturn sure didn’t help.
As the Minister responsible for the Office of Disabilities, I know that Canadians with disabilities are disproportionally impacted by economic uncertainty - and they encounter unique challenges in finding jobs.
That’s why I am proud to announce that the Harper Government is helping 1,600 Canadians with disabilities get jobs through the Opportunities Fund program.
I’ve said many times that we have a “no experience” cycle that we need to address in this country.
This applies to our young people who often hear “no experience, no job”. But without a job, they cannot obtain the necessary experience.
This applies to people with disabilities as well. So, this funding will be used to provide wage subsidies to small- or medium-sized enterprises so they can hire individuals with disabilities who are able to work, but who have had a hard time getting a job because they lack experience.
It will also be used to increase employers’ awareness of the contributions that people with disabilities can make to their businesses and the economy.
Selected organizations will partner with employers to provide people with disabilities the all‑important on-the-job experience they need.
We’re looking for organizations that have expertise in working with people with disabilities and that have the ability to develop and manage large-scale national projects.
Organizations can apply until November 16, 2012. I invite organizations from across Canada to apply.
For more information, you can go to servicecanada.gc.ca.
Today’s news is in addition to other important – and exciting – work that our Government is leading on this file.
As part of Economic Action Plan 2012, and to complement this funding, our Government also announced the Panel on Labour Market Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities.
The panel will identify private-sector successes and best practices, as well as barriers regarding the participation of people with disabilities in the labour market.
After all, our government wants all Canadians to reach their full potential.
That’s why we work with partners across the country – like here at Calgary Alternative Support Services – to help Canadians get the skills and training they need to participate in the workforce and their communities.
By investing in people with disabilities, we aren’t just helping them gain more independence; we’re also investing in Canada’s long-term growth, competitiveness and prosperity.
And that benefits all of us.
Thank you.
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