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Executive Council
March 28, 2012

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister Responsible for the Public Service Secretariat:

Office of Employment Equity for Persons with Disabilities Honoured with Award

It is always an honour to rise in this Honourable House to recognize the work of dedicated public service employees. Doing so is an even greater honour when they have been recognized for their dedication and professionalism by community stakeholders.

Mr. Speaker, this past December, I had the privilege of attending the Independent Living Resource Centre’s annual Independent Living Awards ceremony.

Launched in 2009, this awards program recognizes individuals and organizations which promote the full inclusion of people with disabilities.

The recipient of this year’s Local Government Award for Independent Living was the Public Service Secretariat’s Office of Employee Equity for Persons with Disabilities.

The office received this award for its success in implementing substantial change by breaking down barriers faced by people with disabilities. The award was accepted by Mr. Jim McDonald, Senior Manager of Programs for Persons with Disabilities, on behalf of the staff.

Mr. Speaker, the Office of Employment Equity for Persons with Disabilities works very hard to promote inclusion and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities within the provincial public service throughout the province.

The office provides employment programs for persons with disabilities including the Opening Doors Program; wage subsidy programs for departments, agencies, boards, commissions and Crown corporations; and, the Student Summer Employment Program for post-secondary students with disabilities. The office also provides valuable employment services including an enabling resource centre and employment counselling to assist persons with disabilities in finding employment.

Since the first person was hired under the Opening Doors Program in 1990, approximately 1,000 clients have secured positions through the various employment programs offered by the office.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating Mr. McDonald and the staff of the Office of Employment Equity for Persons with Disabilities on their award and for the great work they do to support the community of persons with disabilities.

2012 03 28                            2:15 p.m.

 
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