Government of Canada Helps People With Disabilities in Estevan Find Meaningful Employment

"In today's environment, it is more important than ever that all Canadians have the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market," said Mr. Komarnicki. "By supporting this project, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities maximize their potential and independence."

Southeast Advocates for Employment will receive $21,259 under the Enhanced Employment Assistance Services component of the Opportunities Fund to support a project that will help 18 persons with disabilities prepare for and find meaningful employment, or return to school.

The Opportunities Fund supports an array of activities, such as increasing employability skills, providing work experience and preparing individuals for self-employment. The Government of Canada is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent Canadians from reaching their full potential with a wide range of effective policies, programs and services tailored to people with disabilities.

The Opportunities Fund is part of the Government of Canada's strategy to help foster the development of 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. To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

BACKGROUNDER

Southeast Advocates for Employment is a community-supported non-profit agency that provides employment programming. Between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010, the organization will provide enhanced employability assistance services in Estevan, Weyburn and surrounding areas to help 18 Opportunities Fund-eligible individuals find and maintain meaningful employment and achieve the employment goals set out in their employment action plans. These opportunities should lead to ongoing employment, enabling a successful transition to the labour force. The organization will also conduct employer visits throughout the area, raising awareness of the hidden workforce in the population of people with disabilities.

The $30-million Enhanced Employment Assistance Services component of the Opportunities Fund is designed to help Canadians with disabilities who have little or no work experience, and who are not eligible for Employment Insurance benefits. This subsidy encourages employers to hire workers they may not otherwise have hired. The Fund works with community organizations and the private sector to support projects that help Canadians with disabilities develop the skills and work experience they need to participate in the job market. The Opportunities Fund is an important employment element of the Disability Agenda for the Government of Canada.

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