Ten federally and provincially funded projects will support unemployed older workers in small communities in Manitoba by helping them develop their skills and get back into the labour market.
The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety and Regional Minister for Manitoba, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, together with the Honourable Peter Bjornson, Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade today announced joint funding of $2.9 million for these projects under the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers.
“Our government’s top priority remains Canada’s economic recovery and we continue to take action to support Canadian jobs and families,” said Minister Toews. “Together, with the Province of Manitoba, we are helping unemployed older workers in small communities across Manitoba get the support, training and skills development opportunities they need to find jobs and re-enter the workforce.”
“Manitoba recognizes older workers as a key component to addressing labour and skill shortages in our growing economy,” said Minister Bjornson. “These investments in education and training for older workers will help them maximize their ability to participate in the workforce.”
Approximately 350 unemployed older workers from a number of communities in Manitoba will benefit from these projects. Participants will take part in skills-enhancement training that includes career development activities, computer skills training and assistance with job search and subsidized work placements. Through this investment, both levels of government are working together to ensure that the older workers remain active and productive labour market participants.
The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers is part of the Government of Canada’s broader strategy to create an educated, skilled and flexible workforce. The Government highlighted its commitment to this strategy in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. To date, this program has helped more than 16,000 unemployed older workers retrain for new careers.
A key element of the Plan includes increasing and improving opportunities available to Canadian workers through skills development.
