NLIS 21
March 21, 2005
(Human Resources, Labour and Employment)
Preparing our youth
for success
Joan Burke, Minister of Human
Resources, Labour and Employment, says Budget 2005 places a renewed
focus on the young people of Newfoundland and Labrador, especially
those youth who live in poverty and who rely on income support.
"Low education levels, a lack of a high school diploma and limited
work experience are key characteristics of a dependence on income
support from one generation to the next and a cycle of poverty,"
said Minister Burke. "In 2003 youth, 18 to 29 years old, represented
one-quarter of the income support caseload and almost 50 per cent of
all new entrants. These numbers are alarming and are an indication
of many complex issues that require a focused, coordinated
approach."
To this end, the Williams government will provide more low income
youth with an opportunity to participate in employment planning and
services. This approach will include the following Budget 2005
measures:
- $6.2 million to the Student
Investment and Opportunities Corporation (SIOC), with a target
to increase participation of youth-at-risk from seven per cent
to 50 per cent within three years. In addition, at least 75 per
cent of programming dollars will be directed to our youth living
in rural Newfoundland and Labrador who may have limited
opportunity for summer employment;
- A reinvestment of $2 million
over three years in employment and career programming, beginning
with $500,000 in 2005-06 to direct more services to income
support clients, including youth;
- $600,000 annually for the
creation of a high school completion incentive, starting
September 1, 2005 to encourage young people in income support
families to finish school;
- An additional $250,000 for youth
programming to, among other things, pilot ways for low-income
youth to participate in recreational and extra-curricular
activities; and,
- Continued support for the Kids
Eat Smart Foundation of $250,000.
Part of government�s mandate is to
help young people get the support they need to prepare for work,
allowing them to move off assistance and into meaningful employment.
"These initiatives and indeed, the department�s overall approach,
focus clearly on those in our province who are most in need," said
Minister Burke. "We know the positive results of helping young
people early and taking a preventive approach. Doing so means a
better future for our youth and a better future for the province. A
recent review of our programs and services has resulted in the
development of a coordinated approach that works hand in hand with
our poverty reduction initiatives and will help us achieve our
ultimate goal of self-reliance for our province and our citizens."
Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-4062,
689-2624
2005 03 21
3:15 p.m. |