Tilson announces $350,000 for caledon community services’ life for youth program
Bolton, Ontario—The Government of Canada is providing support for youth in the Bolton area to help them gain the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to enter and succeed in the job market. The announcement was made today by David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin—Caledon.
“Our Government’s top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity,” said Mr. Tilson. “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.”
Caledon Community Services is receiving more than $350,000 from the Skills Link program to help youth overcome barriers to employment. Skills Link is part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy (YES).
Participants will develop life and job skills through workshops on topics such as time management, effective communication, and conflict resolution. Based on their career plans, they will gain work experience in retail, construction, or food services through job placements with local businesses.
“The Skills Links program has had a positive effect on the lives of so many young people who are now employed and have the confidence to progress in their careers,” said Monty Laskin, Chief Executive Officer of Caledon Community Services. “We are grateful for the federal government’s support, and our organization is committed to continuing to provide opportunities for young people to enter and succeed in the job market.”
With annual funding of approximately $300 million, YES helps youth, particularly those facing barriers to employment, obtain career information, develop 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 2013 proposes an additional investment of $70 million over three years to create 5 000 more paid internships. This is further to the extra $50 million that was invested through Economic Action Plan 2012 to enhance YES with a new initiative that connects young Canadians with jobs that are in high demand and helps them develop tangible skills and gain work experience.
Youth employment programs are part of the Government of Canada’s broader strategy to connect Canadians with available jobs. Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes new measures to equip Canadians with the skills and training they need. These include the Canada Job Grant, creating opportunities for apprentices, and providing support to under-represented groups such as people with disabilities, Aboriginal peoples, newcomers and youth. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit actionplan.gc.ca.
The Government of Canada is helping youth plan their careers, learn new skills, and find jobs through enhanced online services available at youth.gc.ca.