BRIDGEWATER, NOVA SCOTIA, July 12, 2010-People with disabilities will get help preparing for jobs as a result of the Government of Canada's support for Employment Solutions Society. Mr. Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret's, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
"In today's environment, it is more important than ever that all Canadians have the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market," said Mr. Keddy. "By supporting this project, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities maximize their potential and independence."
Employment Solutions Society will receive $80,434 under the Community Coordinator component of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. This project will help 16 people with disabilities gain the skills they need to obtain jobs.
"Employment Solutions Society has delivered funding programs as a community coordinator for the last few years to clients with disabilities in the Lunenburg and Queens counties," said Ms. Margaret Matthews, Executive Director of Employment Solutions Society. "As of July 5, 2010, Employment Solutions Society has expanded program delivery for the Opportunities Fund to clients in Windsor and East Hants. Employment Solutions Society is very excited about the expansion and new partnership in the Windsor and East Hants Region."
The federal government is working with the provinces and territories, community organizations and other stakeholders to provide Canadians with the training, skills and opportunities they need to get jobs and contribute to the their communities.
The Opportunities Fund helps support an array of activities, such as increasing employability skills, providing work experience and preparing individuals for self employment. The Government of Canada is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent Canadians with disabilities from reaching their full potential with a wide range of effective policies, programs and services.
The Fund is part of the Government of Canada's strategy to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. The Government underscored its commitment to this strategy in Canada's Economic Action Plan. A key component of the Plan is to create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development. To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
Backgrounder
Employment Solutions Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the employability of all unemployed or underemployed individuals, and to providing specialized services for people who face barriers to employment. Between July 5, 2010, and July 1, 2011, the Society will help 16 people with disabilities gain the skills and experience they need to obtain and maintain employment.
The Community Coordinator component of the Opportunities Fund is designed to support projects that help Canadians with disabilities develop the broad range of skills and work experience they need to participate in the job market. It is available to eligible organizations that enter into agreements with eligible participants and employers in support of activities that further Opportunities Fund objectives.