Government of Canada funds youth project through Gros Morne Co-Operating Association 

September 26, 2003

ROCKY HARBOUR, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR—The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development, today announced funding of $98,566 for the Gros Morne Co-Operating Association.  The funding is being provided under the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy to help 10 local youth gain valuable work experience.

“We are very pleased to partner with the Gros Morne Co-Operating Association to help these 10 individuals gain valuable work experience,” said Minister Byrne.  “Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in Newfoundland and Labrador, and this project has directly exposed the participants to opportunities in their local communities.  The project has also provided valuable work experience and skills enhancement for participants that will choose alternate career paths.”

Under the direction of the Project Co-ordinator, the 10 youth participated in an orientation session at the beginning of the project.  Based on specific employability skills and career interests, each were matched with an employer to gain on-the-job experience primarily in the local tourism industry.  Participants also took part in monthly professional development meetings and engaged in a series of generic skills building programs to enhance their overall employability.   The 20-week project started on May 26, 2003 and will run to October 10, 2003. 

This project supports the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy (YES). In April 2003, the Government of Canada changed its YES to be more responsive to the changing needs of youth, employers and the Canadian job market. The YES now offers three focused programs: Skills Link, Summer Work Experience and Career Focus.

These programs provide flexibility to choose from a range of activities that can be tailored to meet individual needs; ensure that young people acquire skills and work experience they need to find and keep a job, and have the information they need to make informed career choices; and provide post-secondary graduates with career-related work experience to help them become leaders in their field.

The YES is a key element of the Government of Canada’s Innovation and Learning Strategy, which aims to ensure that Canada has a highly qualified and skilled labour force to meet the job market needs of today and tomorrow.

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.

For more information:

Lorne Lambert,
A/Regional Communications Manager
Human Resources Development Canada
Newfoundland and Labrador
(709) 772-0141

For more information on programs under the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy, call the Youth Info Line at 1 800 935-5555, or visit our Web site at http://www.youth.gc.ca