January 21, 2011
Governments of Canada and Alberta partner to help unemployed older workers prepare for new jobs
| | ||
|
| ||
|
Minister Ambrose is joined with seniors from Edmonton’s West End Seniors’ Centre at an announcement to provide funding to help unemployed older workers gain new skills for new jobs in Alberta.
A joint initiative of the governments of Canada and Alberta is helping unemployed older workers learn new skills to assist them in finding and keeping new jobs.
The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, along with the Honourable Thomas Lukaszuk, Minister of Employment and Immigration for Alberta and, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, announced that the two levels of government are providing over $10 million for the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers.
“When Canadians lose their jobs, we want to help them get back into the workforce as soon as possible,” said Minister Finley. “That is why, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, we introduced a number of measures, such as the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers that are helping Canadians get back into the workforce.”
“For Alberta to continue to have a strong economy, all segments of our labour force must have the opportunity to be fully engaged, including older workers,” said Alberta Minister of Employment and Immigration Thomas Lukaszuk. “Funding through this agreement will help provide older workers impacted by the recession with the assistance they need to find employment and contribute to the economic recovery in smaller communities.”
“In partnership with the Province of Alberta, our government is helping older workers get the support, training and skills development opportunities they need to find jobs and adapt to the changing economy,” added Minister Ambrose.
In 2009, Canada’s Economic Action Plan provided an additional $60 million nationally for the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers over three years. The Economic Action Plan is the Government of Canada’s strategy to protect the economy by helping Canadians. To learn more about the Plan, please visit the following website: www.actionplan.gc.ca.
