March 5, 2020 Edmonton, Alberta Employment and Social Development Canada
Canada's future depends on our young people being able to get the good, well-paying jobs they need to succeed. Creating more opportunities for young people to gain valuable skills and experience will help strengthen our economy and build a Canada where no one is left behind.
Today the Honourable Jim Carr, on behalf of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, announced an investment to help thousands of young people in Western Canada and the Territories who are facing barriers to employment.
Edmonton's MCG Careers Inc. will use their share of funding over the next three years for their ReBrand project, which will provide participants with client assessments, individualized case management, and career development and job readiness training through employability skills and employment sessions, paid work experience, and job retention support.
Funded through the Government of Canada's modernized Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) program, these projects will provide young Canadians with flexible and personalized support, employment services and opportunities that will have a lasting positive impact on their careers.
The YESS program supports organizations that provide job placements and skills development services to young people, as well as a broad range of support such as job coaching, mental health support, clothes for job interviews, daycare services for parents, and subsidized internet access to help with job searches.
Quotes
"An investment in our youth is an investment in Canada's future. Helping break down barriers to employment and giving young Canadians the supports they need to launch meaningful careers is important to building a strong economy for everyone."
- The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion
"When we break down barriers for young people and give them the skills and experience they need to find a good job, the economy works for everyone. Partners like the Progress Career Planning Institute are creating life-changing opportunities for young Canadians by equipping them with the skills they need to build fulfilling careers and prepare for the future."
- The Honourable Jim Carr, Member of Parliament, Winnipeg South Centre, Manitoba
Quick facts
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MCG Careers Inc. will receive up to $3.5 million to help Albertan youth in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Okotoks, and Fort Saskatchewan.
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More than 270 projects will be funded throughout Canada through the YESS program, representing an investment of over $492 million to help tens of thousands of youth.
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The Government of Canada is investing up to $158 million for more than 90 projects across Western Canada and the Territories to help young people facing barriers to employment.
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Launched in summer 2019, the modernized YESS integrated the streams of the former Youth Employment Strategy-Skills Link, Career Focus and Summer Work Experience into a more integrated and flexible service delivery network.
