BOLTON, ON – David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced $421,302 in Skills Link funding for Caledon’s social and health agency, Caledon Community Services (CCS).

The funding will be used to launch CCS’ LIFE for Youth program. Caledon youth have always been regular clients of CCS’ well-known Jobs Caledon, but have often required employability skills training and work experience that have been beyond the scope of Jobs Caledon. Mary Falcone of Jobs Caledon saw this gap and initiated discussions with Service Canada’s Skills Link Program, to address the training and employment needs of young people, aged 15 – 30.

“Caledon Community Services is an extraordinary organization and I continue to be impressed with their commitment to roll up their sleeves and address the emerging needs of our community,” said Mr. Tilson. “The Government of Canada is also committed to creating the best educated, most skilled, and most flexible work force in the world. Our partnership with Caledon Community Services will help local youth acquire the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to take advantage of the job market.”

LIFE For Youth allows 24 young people to gain skills through classroom instruction within a business setting and then participate in various work placements. The program hopes to create a solid skills foundation for young people that will help them address employment barriers and secure sustainable employment. Monty Laskin, CCS’ Executive Director, couldn’t be happier and was quick to point out the importance of our area MP’s support, “The Board of Directors and staff are extremely grateful for David’s continued advocacy on behalf of our organization’s growth. LIFE for Youth is long overdue in Caledon. It is going to provide good things for young people.”

“We are excited to be launching a program that will add enormous value to our community,” said Ms. Falcone. “I invite young people who are not in school and unable to find work to reach me because I think I have something very valuable to offer them.” Mary Falcone can be reached at 905.951.2300, ext. 232, at 905.584.9460, or by e-mail at mfalcone@ccs4u.org.