London, Ontario—Susan Truppe, Member of Parliament for London North Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), today announced more support from the Government of Canada to equip young Canadians with disabilities in the London area with the skills and work experience needed to get in-demand jobs.
“Our government is committed to creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity all across Canada and right here in the London area,” said Minister of State Bergen. “This initiative will help connect youth with jobs while ensuring that Canada’s economy benefits from the skills and talents of young Canadians. By investing in youth today, we are making sure they are ready to become Canada’s future workers and contribute to our long-term prosperity.”
“Many young people are looking for work but can’t get their foot in the door due to a lack of experience,” said Ms. Truppe. “Thanks to our Youth Employment Strategy, young people are developing the skills they need to enter and succeed in the job market.”
The ATN Access for Persons with Disabilities Inc. is receiving more than $374,000 from the Skills Link program to help youth facing barriers to employment get the skills and knowledge they need to find jobs. This program is part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy (YES). Since 2006, the Youth Employment Strategy has helped more than 555 000 young people develop skills, to the benefit of the Canadian economy.
Through workshops, ongoing coaching and work placements, 48 youth with disabilities will gain valuable skills and work experience in industry sectors such as service, business, and retail.
“We would like to thank the Government of Canada for the opportunity that the Skills Link Funding is providing to youth facing multiple barriers to employment in our area,” said Vicki Mayer, Executive Director, ATN Access for Persons with Disabilities Inc. “In addition to building on their strengths and qualifications, participants will develop new social and occupational skills, and strive to achieve their educational goals.”
Youth employment programs are part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to connect Canadians with available jobs and strengthen the economy. Economic Action Plan 2013 equips Canadians with the skills and training they need to fill skills shortages and succeed in the Canadian labour market.
These include the Canada Job Grant, which will invest in skills training for unemployed and underemployed Canadians, better ensuring they are qualified to fill the high-quality, well-paying jobs that are available. Economic Action Plan 2013 is also creating opportunities for apprentices and providing support to under-represented groups such as Canadians with disabilities, Aboriginal people, newcomers and youth.
Economic Action Plan 2013 also strengthens federal programs for Canadians with disabilities to help them get the skills and training they need to prepare for and find work. This includes ongoing support for the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities to help more Canadians with disabilities train for in-demand jobs.
