Individuals with developmental disabilities will benefit from the Government of Canada�s support for a local employment project. The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, along with the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment for Newfoundland and Labrador.

"We are pleased to be working with our provincial partners to strengthen Canada�s economy by investing in our workforce," said Minister MacKay. "By supporting projects like this one, our government is helping individuals with developmental disabilities maximize their potential and independence."

The Supported Employment for Deer Lake and Extended Regions (SEDLER) Community Employment Corporation will receive $110,897 under the Government of Canada�s Employment Assistance Services program. This funding will help the corporation provide employment-related services to 27 individuals to prepare them for the job market.

"Newfoundland and Labrador is very pleased to join our federal partners in supporting this initiative under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement," said Minister Sullivan. "The supported employment program provides the opportunity for persons with disabilities to pursue meaningful employment in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador looks forward to continuing to support organizations such as SEDLER Community Employment Corporation as we assume responsibility for delivering Labour Market Development Agreement employment benefits and measures in November."

The Employment Assistance Services program is one of a broad range of Employment Insurance training programs that help unemployed Canadians find work and serve to develop a skilled labour force that meets current and emerging needs of employers.

It is part of the Government of Canada�s strategy to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. The government underscored this commitment in January when it introduced Canada�s Economic Action Plan. A key component of the plan is to create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development.

The Employment Assistance Services program is delivered by Service Canada, which provides one-stop personalized services for Government of Canada programs, services and benefits. For more information about this program, call 1-800-O-Canada, go on the Internet at www.servicecanada.gc.ca or visit your local Service Canada Centre.

Under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement, effective November 2009, the province will assume responsibility for the design and delivery of Employment Insurance-funded Employment Benefits and Support Measures. The Government of Canada will provide funding directly to the Province to deliver these programs.

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Since 2000, the Supported Employment for Deer Lake and Extended Regions (SEDLER) Community Employment Corporation has been delivering employment-related outreach activities to persons with developmental disabilities by providing career-related information, employment opportunities, job search assistance and other services. Between June 28, 2009, and June 24, 2011, the corporation will provide case management and counselling services to developmentally delayed clients, conduct group information sessions on career planning, job search and job maintenance, as well as operate a resource centre.

The Employment Assistance Services program provides funding to organizations that offer employment services to help clients re-enter the labour market. Funding for the program was provided in the March 2007 federal budget.

All unemployed Canadians have access to a range of services under the program. However, some services are available only to clients who are eligible to receive Employment Insurance benefits, or who have recently been receiving them.

Employment Assistance Services include providing clients with information about the labour market, helping prepare r�sum�s, career-planning services, employment counselling, diagnostic assessment, help with job search skills, job-finding clubs and job placement services.

Eligible recipients of the program�s funding are businesses, including federal and provincial/territorial Crown corporations, organizations, public health and educational institutions, municipal governments and band/tribal councils, as well as some provincial/territorial government departments and agencies. These entities act as employers or service coordinators under the program.

This project has been reviewed to ensure compliance with Service Canada�s administration of its grants and contributions programs and is subject to review under the Financial Administration Act.