Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador fund organization to offer employment assistance services to unemployed persons with disabilities

July 9, 2003

LABRADOR CITY, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR-Mr. Lawrence O'Brien, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development, along with the Honourable Anna Thistle, Minister of the Department of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education for Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced $68,544 in funding to offer employment assistance services to persons with disabilities in the Labrador City-Wabush area.

"The wide range of employment-related services available through this project will help participants obtain the tools they need to become better prepared for the labour market," said Mr. O'Brien. "Through these services, people can take the steps needed toward choosing a suitable career and becoming contributing members of the work force."

"Participants in this project will benefit by gaining a better understanding of their options in the labour market," said Minister Thistle. "They will come away with a more in-depth knowledge of the education, training, and skills that are required for virtually any career in which they may be interested.

Under the project, the Labrador West Employment Corporation will receive $68,544 to operate an employment services resource centre that will provide services such as needs determination, case management, counselling and job search resources.

This one-year project is funded through Human Resources Development Canada's Employment Assistance Services. Employment Assistance Services helps unemployed individuals by providing counselling, job search techniques, job preparedness, and labour market information.

The federal government, as represented by Human Resources Development Canada, and the provincial government, as represented by Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education, are working to help unemployed individuals find employment under the programs and services offered under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement.

Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.

This project has been reviewed to ensure compliance with the Department's administration of its grant and contribution programs.

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For more information:

Bob Picco
Regional Communications Manager
Human Resources Development Canada
(709) 772-5346

Kathy Dicks-Peyton
Director of Communications
Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education
(709) 729-6573