Human Resources, Labour and Employment
November 7, 2007
Governments of Canada and Newfoundland
and Labrador
to Assist Local Unemployed Older Workers
The Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and
Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human
Resources and Social Development, and the Honourable Shawn Skinner,
Newfoundland and Labrador�s Minister of Human Resources, Labour and
Employment, today announced the signing of the Canada-Newfoundland and
Labrador Agreement on the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW).
Under this agreement, the governments of Canada and
Newfoundland and Labrador are investing up to $2,586,697 and $492,704
respectively, for a total of $3,079,401, in community-based projects for
unemployed older workers in the province (age 55 to 64).
As well, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will be
contributing up to $615,879 in program costs, for a total provincial
contribution of $1,108,584. Unemployed older workers across Newfoundland
and Labrador will be able to benefit from the initiative�s activities,
including skills assessment and upgrading, counseling and work
experience.
"The Government of Canada is committed to creating the
best-educated, most skilled and most flexible work force in the world,
and that work force includes older workers," said Minister Hearn. "These
community-based projects will help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians
upgrade their skills, benefit from job counselling, and gain work
experience."
The TIOW, which represents a $70-million federal
commitment, provides programming until March 31, 2009. Under this
initiative, the provinces and territories that choose to participate
have responsibility for identifying vulnerable communities and project
design and delivery. The participating provinces and territories will
then work with organizations in affected communities to develop
projects.
"Older workers are an important source of knowledge
and experience," said Minister Skinner. "This agreement will allow us to
design and deliver programming to help these workers remain competitive
in our labour market, and to fully take advantage of their extensive
experience."
The TIOW is part of the Government of Canada�s
two-part strategy for assisting older workers. In addition to the TIOW,
an Expert Panel on Older Workers has been appointed to study labour
market conditions affecting older workers. The panel is looking at other
potential measures to help older workers, including improved training.
The TIOW offers programming to meet the immediate needs of unemployed
older workers pending the outcome of the study.
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Media contacts:
Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Solberg
819-994-2482 |
Ed Moriarity
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources,
Labour and Employment
709-729-4062, 728-9623 |
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and
Social Development Canada
819-994-5559 |
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2007 11 07
1:35 p.m.
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