Government of Canada funds a youth project in Newfoundland and Labrador

Date:  September 26, 2003

CORNER BROOK, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR—The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Member of Parliament for Humber-St. Barbe-Baie Verte and Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development, today announced Government of Canada funding of $83,679 for a youth project targeted to help 10 youth in Newfoundland and Labrador.   

“The Government of Canada is pleased to work in partnership with the Humber Valley YMCA and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary to help young people gain skills and experience required to obtain employment,” said Minister Byrne.  “In addition, the community of Corner Brook will benefit from increased safety provided by the YMCA Community Patrol program.”

Under the project, the Humber Valley Community YMCA, in partnership with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and other community agencies, will provide 10 youth with community work experience and employability skills through a community policing initiative.  The expected outcomes from the YMCA Community Patrol program include decreased vandalism on the Corner Brook Trail system, increased security for citizens and tourists who use the trail system and a safer walking environment for citizens of and visitors to Corner Brook.

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.