Government of Canada helps post-secondary graduate in Regina gain career-related experience

REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN, March 9, 2010—A post-secondary graduate will get an opportunity to enhance and develop their employment skills through a Carmichael Outreach project sponsored by the Government of Canada. Mr. Ray Boughen, Member of Parliament for Palliser, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

“In today’s environment, it is more important than ever that youth develop the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market,” said Mr. Boughen. “Our government is proud to support projects that offer post-secondary graduates the opportunity to develop the skills and gain experience that will help them reach their full potential.”

Carmichael Outreach will receive $15,000 in Career Focus funding to help a recent post-secondary graduate gain experience and apply the skills acquired through their education.

“As a small community service provider, it is always a challenge for us to find the funds to hire core staff,” said Mr. Shawn Fraser, Executive Director of Carmichael Outreach. “Career Focus has not only helped us in this capacity, but our organization has also greatly benefited from the energy and positive attitude that come with hiring a young person. It also means that we are playing an important role in building the experience base that our organization and Regina’s service community will need to meet the challenges of the future.”

The federal government is working with the provinces and territories, community organizations and other stakeholders to provide Canadians with the training, skills and opportunities they need to get jobs and contribute to their communities.

Career Focus is part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. The Government underscored this commitment in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. A key component of the Plan is to create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

The Government of Canada announced a one-time increase of $30 million in Career Focus funding through year two of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. This measure will provide additional support to Canadian employers and organizations willing to offer valuable career-related work experience to post-secondary graduates, including more funding for internships in green sectors of the economy. To learn more about Budget 2010, visit www.budget.gc.ca.

The Career Focus program is delivered by Service Canada, which provides one-stop personalized services for Government of Canada programs, services and benefits. For more information about this program, visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca, call 1 800 O‑Canada or drop by your local Service Canada Centre.

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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For further information (media only):

Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559

Backgrounder

Carmichael Outreach is a non-profit organization that provides services and support to Regina’s most vulnerable people. Between February 22, 2010, and December 31, 2010, the organization will provide a post-secondary graduate with career-related work experience to help them make the transition into the labour market. The participant will assist with the development and implementation of new programs aimed at supporting children and youth facing barriers.

As part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy, the Career Focus program is one of three programs that help young Canadians, particularly those facing barriers to employment, obtain career information, develop skills, gain work experience, find good jobs and stay employed. The other two programs are Summer Work Experience and Skills Link.

Career Focus links highly skilled, post-secondary youth with potential employers who can provide them with career-related work experience and help them acquire advanced employment skills to facilitate their transition into the rapidly changing labour market.