Government of Canada helps Franco-Manitoban youth prepare for jobs

May 01, 2009

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, May 1, 2009—Franco-Manitoban youth will benefit from the Government of Canada’s support for a local employment project. Ms. Shelly Glover, Parliamentary Secretary for Official Languages and Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

“In today’s environment, it is more important than ever that young Canadians have the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market,” said Mrs. Glover. “We are proud to help Manitoba’s Francophone youth develop the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to reach their full potential.”

Premier Personnel Corporation will receive $148,947 in federal Skills Link funding to support its Premier Choix project, which will help 123 Francophone youth facing employment barriers prepare for and find meaningful employment.

“These funds have allowed us, Premier Choix, to establish and maintain a sustainable program for Francophone youth,” said Ms. Nathalie Buors, Employment Coordinator at Premier Choix. “Since 2002, we have assisted over 350 individuals. Furthermore, we are currently providing support to 80 active clients.”

The federal government is working with the provinces and territories, communities and other stakeholders to provide Canadians with the training, skills and opportunities they need to participate in the workforce and contribute to their communities.

As part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy, the Skills Link program is one of three Government of Canada programs that help young Canadians facing barriers to employment obtain career information, develop skills, gain work experience, find good jobs and stay employed.

The program is part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce 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.