Bolton, ontario, April 6, 2009—Caledon area youth will benefit from the Government of Canada’s investment in a local employment project.  Mr. David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin–Caledon, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

“It is more important than ever that youth develop the skills needed to participate and succeed in today’s job market,” said Mr. Tilson.  “We are pleased to provide young Canadians facing employment barriers with the opportunity to gain the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to reach their full potential.”

Caledon Community Services will receive over $395,000 in federal Skills Link funding to support its LIFE for Youth project.  This project will help 24 young Canadians facing employment barriers prepare for and find meaningful employment.

“Caledon youth thrive within this program,” said Mary Falcone, Program Coordinator.  “We began LIFE nine months ago as our community was not providing youth with the training and skills they needed for today’s working world. LIFE For Youth has definitely filled this gap!” Executive Director Monty Laskin concurs, “Young people have benefited immensely. Our organization and community has also thrived through young people’s active training in many of our programs and in Caledon businesses. We’re grateful for the federal government’s support.” 

Skills Link is part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to create the best-educated, most-skilled and most flexible work force 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.

The Skills Link program is delivered by Service Canada, which provides one-stop personalized services for Government of Canada programs, services and benefits.  For more information about this program, call 1‑800-O-Canada, visit servicecanada.gc.ca or drop by your local Service Canada Centre.