The Government Of Canada Helps Young People From Orillia And Huntsville Get Skills That Lead To Good Jobs

June 02, 2008

Orillia, Ontario — Tony Clement, Minister of Health, Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario and Member of Parliament for Parry Sound—Muskoka, and Bruce Stanton, Member of Parliament for Simcoe North, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced Skills Link funding to help youth from the Orillia and Huntsville areas get skills and jobs.

“The Government of Canada is committed to creating the best educated, most skilled, and most flexible work force in the world,” said Minister Clement. “Not only will our investment help young people find and keep quality jobs, but it will also benefit local employers facing labour shortages and will be good for the local economy.”

“Our government believes that when individuals are able to update their skills and knowledge, they’ll have more success in entering the labour force or returning to school,” said Mr. Stanton. “Our investment will allow the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka to assist young people from the Orillia and Huntsville areas who face barriers to employment.”

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka will receive $391,870 in funding through Service Canada’s Skills Link program. The YWCA’s Youth Quest project will allow 27 young people to gain skills through classroom instruction on topics such as goal setting, conflict resolution, and the job market and participating in work placements.

This project reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to creating a strong economy for all Canadians. Through its Advantage Canada plan, the Government is building on Canada’s strengths and gaining a global competitive advantage by reducing taxes for all Canadians, increasing competition in the marketplace, and building modern infrastructure.

Service Canada brings Government of Canada services and benefits together in a single delivery network. It provides Canadians with one-stop service they can access however they choose—by phone at 1 800 O-Canada, on the Internet at servicecanada.gc.ca, or in person at Service Canada Centres across the country.