Federal Funding for Nanaimo Youth Services
Youth Employment a Priority: Lunney

NANAIMO, BRITISH COLUMBIA, April 6, 2010— Dr. James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Alberni, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development  Canada announcement today that Local youth who face barriers to employment will receive job-preparation training and work experience through the Government of Canada’s support for the Blade Runners employment project.  

“In today’s global economy, it is more important than ever that youth develop the skills they need to participate and succeed in a rapidly changing job market,” said Lunney.  “By supporting this project, we are providing the youth of Nanaimo with skills development training, knowledge and work experience they will need to reach their full potential.”

The Nanaimo Youth Services Association will receive $312,235 in Federal Skills Link funding to support its Blade Runners project, this will assist 36 youth facing employment barriers develop life and job skills to ease their transition to work or return to school.

Skills Link focuses on helping youth facing barriers to employment, such as single parents, Aboriginal youth, young persons with disabilities, recent immigrants, youth living in rural and remote areas, and youth who have dropped out of high school. 

“The Nanaimo Youth Services Association exists to create an environment which empowers youth to reach their fullest potential.” said Steve Arnett, Executive Director, Nanaimo Youth Services Association. “We believe that the best income security in a market-based economy is a meaningful job. That is what Blade Runners is all about and NYSA's board and staff deeply appreciate the opportunity to partner with the Federal government on this important project.”

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.

Through the 2010 “Jobs and Growth Budget,” the Government of Canada committed an additional $60 million to the Skills Link and Career Focus programs.  This additional one-time investment will enable more young Canadians to gain the experience and skills they need to successfully participate in the labour market while the economy recovers.

Skills Link 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 its commitment to this strategy 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 Skills Link 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.