Canada’s New Government Invests $148,852 to Help Youth in Levis Find Work

LEVIS, QUEBEC–(April 3, 2007) – Steven Blaney, Member of Parliament for Levis-Bellechasse, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced funding of $148,852 for a project that will help young people in Levis make a successful transition into the workforce.

“Canada’s new Government is committed to helping young Canadians get work experience that enhances their employability,” said Mr. Blaney. “By working with employers, community organizations and other levels of government, our government is introducing projects that will give Canada’s youth the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to succeed in the workforce.”

For this project, Corporation Renaissance Communautaire de Levis (CRCL) will receive $148,852 to provide disadvantaged young people aged 16 to 25 with a range of activities and ongoing support to promote their social integration. The CRCL is a non-profit organization with a mission of prevention, integration, and rehabilitation that targets disadvantaged and low-income residents of the city of Levis. The CRCL has managed projects of this type for more than four years in cooperation with local and provincial partners.The project consists of preparing and conducting a humanitarian aid visit to an Aboriginal community in Canada’s Far North. The participants will plan all aspects of their trip, including fundraising activities and finding sponsors. Before leaving, they will take an English course and undergo training from a community organization. During their stay in the North, the youths will participate in the development of a specific community project, for example, renovating a community centre. Through this project, they will acquire skills and knowledge to help them find work or return to school for further training.

Service Canada is providing financial assistance for this project through the Skills Link program, which helps youth facing barriers to employment acquire the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to participate in the job market.

The Skills Link program is one of three programs for youth which also include Summer Work Experience and Career Focus. These programs offer a wide range of activities and allow youth the flexibility of choosing the ones that meet their individual needs best.

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CONTACT INFORMATION

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Service Canada
Diane Viau
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www.youth.gc.ca