By Yarmouth, Nova Scotia-The Government of Canada is providing support for youth with disabilities in Yarmouth, Shelburne and the Municipality of Clare to help them gain the skills, knowledge and experience they need to enter and succeed in the job market. The announcement was made by Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, 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. Kerr. "The Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy is helping youth develop the skills and gain the experience they need to get jobs now and prepare for the workforce of tomorrow."
The West Nova Inclusive Employment Society (WNIES) is receiving over $185,000 through the Skills Link program to help youth with disabilities overcome barriers to employment.
Participants will attend workshops to develop life and employability skills, including effective computer use, job search and budgeting. They will also gain valuable work experience through placements with local employers. Their improved abilities will prepare them to enter the workforce or return to school.
We would like to thank the Government of Canada for its financial contribution toward our project," said Andrea Noah, Executive Director of the West Nova Inclusive Employment Society. "This project will provide ten unemployed youths with disabilities from the Yarmouth, Shelburne and the Clare areas with pre-employment skills and work experience through the delivery of group-based employability skills training."
Skills Link is part of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy (YES). With an annual budget of more than $300 million, YES helps youth, particularly those facing barriers to employment, obtain career information, develop employment skills, find jobs and stay employed. YES includes the Skills Link and Career Focus programs and the Canada Summer Jobs initiative, which creates thousands of job opportunities for students every summer.
Economic Action Plan 2012 is providing an additional $50 million over two years to enhance YES through a new initiative that will connect young Canadians with jobs that are in high demand and help them develop tangible skills and gain work experience.
WNIES is also receiving over $180,000 through the federal Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities to extend another project. This funding will assist unemployed people with disabilities to find employment, become self-employed or return to school.
Canadians with disabilities have a tremendous amount to offer employers but they remain under
