News Release

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2002

LOCAL VOCATIONAL CENTRE FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES TO EXPAND

Sydney, Nova Scotia – Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, today announced the first project for Sydney under the Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF). SCIF projects are designed to help local communities strengthen their economic base in order to attract investment and job creation. Mr. Eyking made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation.

With $40,000 through SCIF, the Horizon Achievement Centre will purchase new equipment to expand their operating capacity and capabilities. The Centre provides vocational training for adults with disabilities through a variety of programs including bulk mail preparation services. 

The centre provides mail preparation services to companies and organizations that do not have the equipment or staff to conduct high-volume bulk mailings on a regular basis. With the investment through the Strategic Communities Investment Fund, the Centre will purchase new equipment that will allow them to take on larger mail processing contracts involving up to 100,000 pieces. Contracts of this size are often handled outside Nova Scotia.

”This project will help the Horizon Achievement Centre increase services, revenue, and employment opportunities for adults with disabilities,” said Mr. Eyking. “Improving the revenue generating capacity of the Centre will increase its ability to provide training and vocational opportunities. As well, the new equipment and expanded operation will enhance the Centre’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.”

The Horizon Achievement Centre is a non-profit organization that has been operating various businesses since 1984. The Centre has approximately 150 adults with disabilities engaged in vocational and training programs. It is funded, in part, by profits from five core business divisions, one of which is the bulk mail preparation service. Project costs are estimated at $50,000.

The Strategic Community Investment fund provides $135 million over five years to help communities in Atlantic Canada create an environment that encourages and enhances, among other activities, the development of strategic sectors, the adoption of new technology and innovative practices, and the capacity to compete in the global economy. 

SCIF is a component of the $700-million Atlantic Investment Partnership, a five-year Government of Canada initiative designed to help Atlantic Canadians compete in the global, knowledge-based economy. The Fund is administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

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For more information, contact:

Peter A.H. Graham
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
(613) 957-9959

Mark Eyking
Member of Parliament
(902) 567-6275

Marcie Stanley
Communications Officer
Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation
(902) 564-7876

Carol Pendergast
Horizon Achievement Centre
(902) 539-8553