REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwire - April 12, 2010) - People with disabilities will get help preparing for jobs as a result of the Government of Canada's support for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Regina Branch. 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 all Canadians have the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market," said Mr. Boughen. "By supporting this project, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities maximize their potential and independence."
The CMHA – Regina Branch will receive $49,948 under the Enhanced Employment Assistance Services component of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. This project will help 35 people with disabilities gain the skills they need to obtain jobs or become self-employed.
"The CMHA – Regina Branch is most appreciative of the approval of the funding for our Job Coach position," said Ms. Margaret Fern, Executive Director of the CMHA – Regina Branch. "This position is pivotal in our continuum of services that support persons living with mental illness to move forward in their lives towards normal employment in the community. We believe that the mere fact of having a mental illness does not need to define everything that an individual is, but should be just one part of their life story, and that their hopes and aspirations can be supported and encouraged."
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 the their communities.
The Opportunities Fund helps support an array of activities, such as increasing employability skills, providing work experience and preparing individuals for self-employment. The Government of Canada is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent Canadians with disabilities from reaching their full potential with a wide range of effective policies, programs and services.
The Fund 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.
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
Backgrounder
The Canadian Mental Health Association – Regina Branch is a charitable organization that promotes mental health and supports the resilience and recovery of people with mental illness. Between May 2, 2010, and April 30, 2011, the organization will provide job coaching services to 35 individuals with disabilities to help them prepare for, obtain and maintain employment or become self-employed. Each participant will develop a work action plan and acquire job searching skills such as résumé writing and interview techniques.
The Enhanced Employment Assistance Services component of the Opportunities Fund is designed to help Canadians with disabilities who have little or no work experience, and who are not eligible for Employment Insurance benefits. The Fund is available to eligible organizations to deliver employment-related programs and services that help people with disabilities integrate into the workplace.