Targeted Initiative for Older Workers Extended to 2012

The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) Program is being extended for three years in partnership with the Federal Government, the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment announced today. The program is a cost-shared initiative designed to provide support to unemployed workers aged 55-64 who live in communities affected by significant downsizing or closures. The TIOW program was scheduled to conclude on March 31, 2009, but additional financial contributions from the Provincial and Federal Governments will extend the program for three more years.

�At this time of rapid economic change, it is especially important to have the means in place to help our highly experienced workers who have been displaced by closures or layoffs,� said Minister Sullivan. �The TIOW program will play a major role in helping these workers transition towards new employment opportunities that will allow them to continue contributing to their communities, the economy, and their own financial well being.�

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Canada, also expressed her approval of this initiative.

�Our government is building on successful partnerships like the TIOW to create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development,� said Minister Finley. �Through partnerships like this one, we are ensuring that older workers across the country have the support they need to adapt to a changing economy, while acting on our commitment to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible work force in the world.�

All TIOW projects provide employment assistance activities such as employment counseling, assistance with resume writing, and interview techniques. In addition, all projects must consist of at least two other employability improvement activities that may include basic or specific skills upgrading, opportunities for new work experiences created by wage subsidies that are provided to employers, or community based work experiences.

The Federal Government recently committed $90 million towards extending the TIOW program nationally, with $4,612,292 of this funding directed toward Newfoundland and Labrador over the next three years. The Provincial Government is providing $878,531 for the program.

The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Agreement that enabled the implementation of the TIOW was signed in the fall of 2007. A total of 120 participants were involved in the 10 TIOW projects that were approved throughout the province in 2008-09.

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