Winkler, Manitoba, November 12, 2013—The Government of Canada will help people with disabilities in the Winkler area develop the skills, knowledge and experience they need to find jobs. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development).
“Our government remains committed to helping Canadians get the skills they need to gain access to good-quality jobs in the labour market,” said Minister Bergen. “In particular, people with disabilities face challenges entering the job market and that’s why our government’s partnerships with organizations like Segue Career Options are so important.”
Segue Career Options is receiving support from the Opportunities Fund to help people with disabilities overcome barriers to employment.
Through a variety of workshops, participants will develop life and job skills to help them prepare for and succeed in the job market. They will develop action plans and gain hands-on experience by volunteering in local grocery stores or restaurants to help them find and maintain a job. Participants will also benefit from coaching to become more independent.
“We appreciate the funding provided by the Government of Canada. We are on our way to another successful year in supporting people living with disabilities in their search for meaningful employment," said Debra Stockwell, Program Director for Segue Career Options.
Since 2006, the Opportunities Fund has helped over 34 600 people with disabilities across Canada. Canadians with disabilities have a tremendous amount of talent to offer employers but they remain under-represented in our workforce. Economic Action Plan 2013 is providing ongoing support for the Opportunities Fund, starting in 2015–16, to help more Canadians with disabilities train for in-demand jobs.
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For more information, contact:
Johanna Quinney
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Social Development)
613-697-4449
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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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 helps people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and keep employment or become self-employed.
Economic Action Plan 2013 introduces new measures to connect Canadians with available jobs and equip them with the skills and training they need. These include the Canada Job Grant, creating opportunities for apprentices and providing support to under-represented groups, including people with disabilities, Aboriginal people, newcomers and youth.
In addition, Economic Action Plan 2013 will support the following measures:
- introducing a new generation of Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities, with an investment of $222 million per year to better meet the employment needs of Canadian businesses and improve the employment prospects for people with disabilities;
- extending the Enabling Accessibility Fund on an ongoing basis at $15 million per year to improve accessibility in facilities across Canada, including workplaces; and
- providing funding of $7 million per year for the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, some of which will support research related to the labour market participation of people with disabilities.
For more information about the Opportunities Fund, or to propose a project, visit servicecanada.gc.ca.
