Canada’s Government Helps Local Individuals Find Valuable Employment Opportunities

WATSON LAKE, YUKON–(EMWNews – Aug. 18, 2008) – Residents of the Liard Basin and Watson Lake areas who are currently unemployed will get help to re-enter the work force, thanks to a federal government program. At the same time, local employers facing labour shortages will have greater access to skilled employees. The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development.

“Prime Minister Stephen Harper and our government are committed to improving the quality of life and supporting economic development for northern Canadians,” said Minister Strahl. “Not only will this funding help nearly 5,100 individuals in the Liard Basin and Watson Lake areas who need employment and career help, but it will also benefit local employers and the local economy.”

The Watson Lake Community Outreach Society will receive $415,468 in funding from Service Canada’s Employment Assistance Services program over three years to support job-search facilities and employment counselling. This project reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to creating a strong economy for all Canadians.

Through its Advantage Canada plan, the Government is not only focusing on developing work-force skills, but is also building on Canada’s strengths and gaining a global competitive advantage by reducing taxes for all Canadians, increasing competition in the marketplace, building modern infrastructure, and eliminating the debt.

Service Canada brings Government of Canada services and benefits together in a single delivery network. It provides Canadians with one-stop service they can access however they choose-by phone at 1 800 O-Canada, on the Internet at servicecanada.gc.ca, or in person at Service Canada Centres across the country.

BACKGROUNDER

Employment Assistance Services

The Employment Assistance Services (EAS) program provides funding to organizations that offer employment services to help clients re-enter the labour market. All unemployed Canadians have access to a range of services under the EAS program. However, some EAS offerings are available only to clients who are eligible to receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, or who have recently been receiving EI benefits.

Employment Assistance Services include providing clients with information about the labour market, help preparing resumes, career-planning services, employment counselling, diagnostic assessment, help with job-search skills, job-finding clubs, and job-placement services.

Eligible recipients of EAS funding are businesses (including federal Crown corporations and provincial/territorial Crown corporations), organizations, individuals, public health and educational institutions, municipal governments, and band/tribal councils, as well as some provincial/territorial government departments and agencies. These entities act as employers or service coordinators under the program.

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