Released on February 20, 2013
The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan will help people with disabilities in Regina develop the skills they need to find jobs. The announcement was made today by Tom Lukiwski, Member of Parliament for Regina–Lumsden–Lake Centre, on behalf of Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Saskatchewan Economy Minister Bill Boyd.
“Our government’s top priorities are job creation and economic growth,” said Lukiwski. “To support Canada’s long term prosperity, we must ensure that everyone who wants to work has the opportunity. People with disabilities face particular challenges entering the job market, and that’s why partnerships with organizations like the Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatchewan are so important.”
“Our government appreciates the important work the Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatchewan provides to people with disabilities in this province,” Boyd said. “We are committed to ensuring this province is the best place in Canada for persons with disabilities, and investments in projects and funding support such as this will help us secure that position.”
The Regina Branch of the Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatchewan is receiving more than $79,000 from the Government of Canada through the federal Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. The Government of Saskatchewan is also investing more than $80,000 in the Provincial Training Allowance for individuals participating in the program.
Project participants will receive job preparation training on subjects such as résumé and cover letter writing, teamwork and leadership. They will also gain work experience with local employers, where they will be able to develop and enhance their skills.
“The Regina Branch of the Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatchewan is thrilled to receive this support,” Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatchewan Director Shelley Mitchell said. “This funding will help people with disabilities develop self-awareness and the necessary employment skills needed to be competitive in today's labour force.”
Canadians with disabilities have a tremendous amount to offer employers, but they remain under represented in the workforce. That is why the Government of Canada, through Economic Action Plan 2012, is investing an additional $30 million in the Opportunities Fund to help more people with disabilities gain the hands-on experience they need to find jobs.
The new investment will be dedicated to national projects that connect people with disabilities with jobs in small- or medium-sized enterprises. Some of the projects will also promote to employers the valuable contribution that people with disabilities can make to their businesses and the Canadian economy.
In addition, as part of Economic Action Plan 2012, Minister Finley and Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, recently announced the release of the Panel on Labour Market Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities report, Rethinking disAbility in the Private Sector. The report highlights actions employers can take to accommodate people with disabilities in their workplaces, as well as the benefits to both individuals and businesses.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
Phone: 819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Phone: 819-994-5559
Linda Ungar
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4765
Email: linda.ungar@gov.sk.ca