Investing in jobs and opportunities in western Canada

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GATINEAU, Quebec – The Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, announced today new projects aimed at helping Canadians and refugees in western Canada get the skills needed to overcome barriers to employment.

The funding, which totals more than $1 million, will be provided to several organizations in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba for projects to help under-represented groups, such as new Canadians, refugees, Indigenous people, youth and people with disabilities, build their skills and prepare for the workforce of the future.

These projects will provide group workshops to develop or enhance skills, such as workplace safety, safe food handling and job search techniques. They will also offer work experience opportunities in job categories of interest to participants, or they will provide support to participants wishing to start their own business.

Examples of projects include:

*Up to 50 youth, including immigrant and refugee youth, in Edmonton will increase their employability skills through group workshops on topics such as teamwork, workplace etiquette and management skills. This will be followed by several weeks of work experience in high-demand sectors that match the participants’ skills.

*In British Columbia’s southern interior, up to 75 people with disabilities will get support to help them become employed or self-employed. Some participants may receive up to six months of skills upgrading in an in-demand sector, while others may receive support to help them start their own business, such as help with preparing business plans.

Since November 2015, 202 new grants and contributions projects have been launched to help more than 8,300 people across Canada, with a total combined value of over $66 million.

“Investing in community projects not only helps people gain the skills, abilities and work experience they need to find and maintain good employment, but it also helps strengthen and grow Canada’s middle class,” said The Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour.