Government of Canada helps Manitoba youth prepare for jobs

April 14, 2009

DAUPHIN, MANITOBA, April 14, 2009—At-risk youth in Manitoba will get valuable job preparation training thanks to the Government of Canada’s investment in a local employment project. Mr. Inky Mark, Member of Parliament for Dauphin–Swan River–Marquette, 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 develop the skills needed to help them participate and succeed in the job market,” said Mr. Mark. “By supporting this project, we are helping at-risk Manitoba youth develop the skills, knowledge and experience they need to reach their full potential.”

Parkland Crossing will receive $12,493 in federal Skills Link funding to support its Dauphin At-Risk Teens (D.A.R.T.) project, which will provide outreach and assessment services to eight at-risk youth to help them prepare for jobs or return to school.

The federal government is working in partnership with the provinces and territories and other stakeholders to make sure that Canadians get the training, skills and opportunities they need to participate in the workforce and contribute to the quality of life in 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 this commitment in January when it introduced 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, go on the Internet at servicecanada.gc.ca or visit your local Service Canada Centre.