YARMOUTH, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwire - July 28, 2010) - People with disabilities will get help preparing for jobs as a result of the Government of Canada's support for the West Nova Inclusive Employment Society. Mr. Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, 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. Kerr. "By supporting this project, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities maximize their potential and independence."
The West Nova Inclusive Employment Society will receive $126,221 under the Community Coordinator component of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. This project will help 31 people with disabilities gain the skills they need to obtain jobs.
"The West Nova Inclusive Employment Society is grateful to the Government of Canada for its continued support," said Ms. Andrea Noah, Executive Director, West Nova Inclusive Employment Society. "Traditionally, we provide employment-related services to individuals from Shelburne County, Yarmouth County and the Municipality of Clare, but this year, we are expanding to include Digby County, Annapolis County and Kings County. My colleagues and I are looking forward to this new and exciting opportunity made possible by our federal government."
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.
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
BACKGROUNDER
The West Nova Inclusive Employment Society is a community-based organization that provides specialized services to persons with disabilities to help them prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. During a 52-week period, the Society will coordinate a variety of projects with a diverse set of stakeholders to help 31 people with disabilities develop the broad range of skills and work experience they need to participate in the job market.
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.