EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM PROVIDES A STEP UP FOR PROVINCIAL OFFENDERS

Two provincial ministers have joined a Prince Albert organization to cut the ribbon on the Supported Transition to Employment Program (STEP), which helps people with barriers access Saskatchewan's labour market.

STEP is a partnership among the Ministries of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour (AEEL), Corrections, Public Safety and Policing and the Jubilation Residential Centres Inc. to provide provincial offenders with the assistance they need to become employed and integrate back into the community.

"This partnership reflects our government's commitment to assist provincial offenders in becoming productive members of society," Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Minister D.F. (Yogi) Huyghebaert said. "STEP provides offenders with the support and skills they need to secure employment in the community. By helping offenders with the skills they need to integrate back into the community, this initiative will also help reduce the risk of re-offending."

"Our government is pleased to collaborate with community partners across the province to help ensure that Saskatchewan people, regardless of barriers, can contribute to, and benefit from, the province's growing economy," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "This program provides important opportunities for Saskatchewan people to meet their full potential."

Project funding of $200,000 is provided by AEEL, using funds from the Canada-Saskatchewan Labour Market Agreement.

The STEP program was created at Jubilation Residential Centres Inc. in partnership with Catholic Family Services of Prince Albert and North Saskatchewan River Métis Local # 269, to provide up to 210 male and female offenders with employment services to transition them from the criminal justice system to the labour market.

The STEP program runs from May 4, 2009 to April 30, 2010.

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For more information, contact:

Linsay Rabyj
Corrections, Public Safety and Policing
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2626

Chris Jones-Bonk
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3106