Released on September 10, 1997
Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training Minister Joanne Croffordand Social Services Minister Lorne Calvert today announced the
implementation of the Provincial Training Allowance, a program which
will help thousands of low-income adults to further their basic
education and progress toward employment.
The allowance, which moves people away from dependence on social
assistance and replaces other income support programs, helps with
living costs for adults enrolled in Basic Education Courses, career
bridging programs, and short skills training courses. The allowance
was introduced in the March provincial budget and is part of the
Saskatchewan Training Strategy and the government's Social Assistance
Redesign.
The ministers said 2,000 to 3,000 people are expected to receive the
allowance in the program's first year.
"Education and training are key to better futures for everyone,"
Crofford said. "We are investing in people. People who need
assistance will get better service and real opportunities to improve
their quality of life through training. Our goal is to help people
take the first step toward independence. "
"The Provincial Training Allowance is an important component of
Social Assistance Redesign, along with the Youth Futures pilot
project in Prince Albert, and the July 1998 implementation of the
Saskatchewan Child Benefit and Saskatchewan Employment
Supplement," Calvert said. "People are looking for ways to gain
financial independence, and this is an important means of helping
them."
The Provincial Training Allowance combines several programs,
including the Non-Status Indian and M‚tis Program, Northern
Training Program, JobStart/Future Skills Bridging Program, and
the Saskatchewan Skills Development Program. This new
income-based program provides clients with basic living
allowances, including daycare, so all people have the opportunity
to link into the labour market. People with special needs
arising from extenuating circumstances will still be able to
apply for social assistance.
"The Provincial Training Allowance is a whole new way of doing
things," Crofford said. "Training institutions will work closely
to assess and support clients to effectively meet individuals'
needs. Throughout the first year, we will evaluate our progress
and continue to work with clients and partners to fine-tune the
program to ensure it is fair and equitable in years to come."
The minister added that participants will have more hope and
opportunities to participate in Saskatchewan's economic growth
and prosperity.
"The Provincial Training Allowance, and all other programs and
services evolving from the Saskatchewan Training Strategy,
together with the Partnership for Growth economic strategy, will
help build strong links between training and jobs," Crofford
said. "They will foster partnerships of employers, community
interests and training institutions to work together to ensure
that all Saskatchewan residents have the skills needed to
participate in the changing workplace."
The three-year Saskatchewan Training Strategy, launched in April
1997, builds bridges to employment for Saskatchewan people by
linking skills training programs and services directly to
employment and the Saskatchewan labour market. One of the goals
of the strategy is to support social assistance recipients in
developing their skills and finding sustainable jobs.
Low income people interested in enrolling in basic education or
short skills programs should contact the nearest Regional
College, SIAST Campus, New Careers Corporation, their social
worker, or they may call the Career Information Hotline at
1-800-597-8278.
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For more information, contact:
Brady Salloum
Post-Secondary Education
Regina
Phone: (306)787-0106
Virginia Wilkinson
Social Services
Regina
Phone: (306)787-0916