Moncton, New Brunswick — The Government of Canada is helping people with intellectual disabilities in the Moncton area gain the skills they need to successfully participate in the workforce, announced Robert Goguen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Member of Parliament for Moncton–Riverview–Dieppe, 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 Mr. Goguen. “We’re helping people with intellectual disabilities develop a strong skill-set that will equip them to succeed in the workforce and contribute to Canada’s economy.”
Moncton Employment & Training Services, Inc. is receiving more than $77 000 through the federal Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. The organization will provide eight participants with employability and life skills sessions as well as work experience through community placements.
"Moncton Employment & Training Services, Inc. would like to extend their appreciation for the Government of Canada’s ongoing support,” said David Richard, Executive Director, Moncton Employment & Training Services, Inc. “The funding has enabled our agency to create an intensive program that provides access to competitive employment."
Canadians with disabilities have a tremendous amount to offer employers, but they remain under‑represented in the workforce. That is why the Government of Canada, through Economic Action Plan 2012, is investing an additional $30 million in the Opportunities Fund to help more people with disabilities gain the hands-on experience they need to find jobs.
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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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IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.
This news release is available online at: actionplan.gc.ca.
The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities assists people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and keep employment or become self-employed. The Government of Canada invests $30 million annually through this program to connect individuals with the skills and work experience needed to participate fully in the economy.
The Government of Canada provided funding to Moncton Employment & Training Services, Inc. in 2009, 2010 and 2011 which was used to successfully deliver training to people with intellectual disabilities.
As part of Economic Action Plan 2012, Minister Finley and the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, 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.
For more information, or to propose a project, please visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca.
