Canada invests to help youth in Orillia and area get jobs

The Government of Canada is providing support for youth in Orillia and surrounding areas to help them gain the skills, knowledge and experience they need to enter and succeed in the job market. The announcement was made by Bruce Stanton, Member of Parliament for Simcoe North, on behalf of the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism.

“Our government’s top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity,” said Mr. Stanton. “The Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy is helping youth develop the skills and gain the experience they need to get jobs now and prepare for the workforce of tomorrow.”

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka received more than $362,000 from the Skills Link program to help youth overcome barriers to employment. Skills Link is part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy (YES).

Participants will gain life and job skills through workshops, group discussions and hands-on assignments on topics such as team building and financial management. Based on personal development plans, they will benefit from work experience in sectors that may include retail, food services or construction.

“Our organization is committed to helping youth reach their full potential, and we believe that meaningful employment is key to achieving this goal”, said Rob Armstrong, CEO of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, including the city of Orillia. “We are thrilled to be able to continue to provide youth with employment and training opportunities through the Skills Link funding.”

With annual funding of approximately $300 million, YES helps youth—particularly those facing barriers to employment—obtain career information, develop skills, find jobs and stay employed. YES includes the Skills Link and Career Focus programs and the Canada Summer Jobs initiative, which creates thousands of job opportunities for students every summer.

In addition to existing funding, Economic Action Plan 2012 invested an extra $50 million to enhance YES with a new initiative that connects young Canadians with jobs in high demand and helps them develop tangible skills and gain work experience. Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes an additional investment of $70 million over three years to create 5 000 more paid internships.

Youth employment programs are part of the Government of Canada’s broader strategy to connect Canadians with available jobs. Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes new measures to equip Canadians with the skills and training they need. These include the Canada Job Grant, creating opportunities for apprentices and providing support to under-represented groups such as people with disabilities, Aboriginal people, newcomers and youth.

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

The Government of Canada is helping youth plan their careers, learn new skills and find jobs through enhanced online services available at www.youth.gc.ca.