Government of Canada Helps People With Disabilities in Kamloops Develop Job Skills

"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 Ms. McLeod. "By supporting this project, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities maximize their potential and independence."

The ASK Wellness Centre will receive $32,013 under the Work Experience component of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. This project will help seven people with disabilities gain the skills they need to obtain jobs.

"The AIDS Society of Kamloops Wellness Centre is proud to partner with the Government of Canada in providing employment and training opportunities for those in need in our community," said Mr. Bob Hughes, Executive Director of the ASK Wellness Centre. "This funding, along with funding from an anonymous donor, will allow ASK to help people with disabilities who are also parents to gain employment skills and work experience to participate and succeed in today's job market."

The federal government is working with the provinces and territories, community organizations and other stakeholders to provide Canadians with the training, skills and opportunities they need to get jobs and contribute to the their communities.

The Opportunities Fund helps support 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 with disabilities from reaching their full potential with a wide range of effective policies, programs and services.

The Fund 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. 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

The AIDS Society of Kamloops (ASK) Wellness Centre is a local agency dedicated to providing awareness, education, advocacy and housing support services to persons with HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C. Between June 28 and October 29, 2010, the Centre will help seven people with disabilities gain the skills and experience they need to obtain and maintain employment.

The Work Experience 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. The Fund is available to eligible organizations that provide opportunities for people with disabilities to gain unpaid work experience leading to potential employment.

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