Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador fund Gambo and Area Employment Corporation to offer employment assistance services to persons with developmental disabilities

November 18, 2003

GAMBO, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR-Mr. John Efford, Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Trinity-Conception, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development, along with the Honourable John Ottenheimer, Minister of the Department of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education for Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced funding of $126,697 for an Employment Assistance Services project for persons with developmental disabilities in the area served by the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Human Resource Centre in Gander.

"The wide range of special 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. Efford. "By taking advantage of support resources designed to facilitate job placement, these clients can take the necessary steps towards obtaining a suitable career and becoming contributing members of the work force."

"Participants in this conveniently located project will benefit by gaining a better understanding of their options in the labour market," said Minister Ottenheimer. "They will benefit from proactive on-the-job support by employers and access to ongoing counselling as required to deal with changes in the workplace."

Under the project, the Gambo and Area Employment Corporation will receive $126,697 to operate an employment resource centre that will provide services such as needs determination, case management, counselling and job search resources. Clients will be helped in making the transition to the work force through confidence building, on-site training, and sensitization of fellow workers and supervisors. Participants will receive experience in developing communications skills, career planning, and interview preparation.

This project is funded through Human Resources Development Canada's Employment Assistance Services. Employment Assistance Services helps unemployed individuals by providing counseling, job search techniques, job search, 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:

David Earles
A/Regional Communications Manager
Human Resources Development Canada
(709) 772-5346

Nora Daly
Communications
Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education
(709) 729-1906