December 10, 1999
(Human Resources and Employment)

The following statement was issued today by Julie Bettney, Minister of Human Resources and Employment. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I am very pleased to announce in the House today, additional funding for employment programs under the Department of Human Resources and Employment.

The department's Graduate Program, which is designed to help new graduates find work in their field of study, has been awarded $175,000. This is added to the initial funding of $1.55 million.

The Employment Generation Program, which creates new long-term employment opportunities, will receive a further $125,000 in addition to the original $1.2 million funding.

Combined this funding will create an additional 110 long-term jobs for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Finally, following a mid-year review of employment programs, an additional $300,000 has been approved for the Linkages Program. Linkages offers youth valuable work experience as they prepare to make the transition from the classroom to the labour market. This brings funding to community-based projects for our youth to $1.1 million.

This funding comes as good news for everyone who works on the Linkages Program. Ultimately this means more resources and opportunities for our youth.

Linkages is designed to help youth age 18 to 24 who are finding it difficult to make the transition into the labour market. Through the program the Department of Human Resources and Employment provides funding to community agencies to provide up to 26 weeks of career-related employment. Youth also take part in regular career planning workshops and earn a completion bonus toward the cost of post-secondary tuition and books.

Many of our youth are faced with the challenge of securing a first-time job with little professional experience. Linkages provides youth with work experience as they continue to develop and plan their career paths. The program is a great combination of practical experience and professional development.

Youth measures from this government, including the Linkages Program, have assisted 2,520 youth over the past year and it is anticipated to assist a further 2,724 new clients in the new year gain work experience and training.

Youth employment is a priority of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. We recognize that youth face unique challenges as they prepare to move from the academic world to our labour market. Linkages is a great initiative that assists youth in overcoming these challenges. Since its inception in 1998 Linkages has helped over 400 youth in the province. The program's success and innovation has been nationally recognized by Human Resource Development Canada and the National Volunteer Organization.

The additional support for the Graduate, Employment Generation and Linkages Programs demonstrates our commitment to strengthening our labour market and increasing opportunities for people in the province.

1999 12 10 10:20 a.m.