THE GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND SASKATCHEWAN HELP NIPAWIN AREA YOUTH GET SKILLS THAT LEAD TO GOOD JOBS

Brian Fitzpatrick, Member of Parliament for Prince Albert, on behalf of Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, and Saskatchewan Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris today announced funding for the Nipawin Oasis Community Centre Co-operative to help local youth gain the skills they need to find and maintain meaningful employment.

"The Government of Canada is committed to creating the best educated, most skilled, and most flexible work force in the world," said Fitzpatrick. "Our partnership with the Nipawin Oasis Community Centre Co-operative will help local youth get the skills, knowledge and experience they need to take advantage of the job market."

"Saskatchewan is filled with opportunities for those with labour market skills," Norris said. "OASIS strives to enhance the quality of life of physically, mentally, socially, emotionally and financially disadvantaged individuals to allow them to engage more fully in Saskatchewan's growing economy and in our communities."

The Nipawin Oasis Community Centre Co-operative will receive $81,589 in federal Skills Link funding and $49,346 from the Saskatchewan department of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour. This funding will provide 40 young people from the Nipawin area with assistance in determining their skills needs and help in overcoming their obstacles to employment. Seven individuals will continue on to full-time group employability sessions that will provide workshops on including problem solving, goal setting, conflict resolution and WHMIS training.

This project reflects the Government of Canada's commitment to creating a strong economy for all Canadians. Through its Advantage Canada plan, the Government is building on Canada's strengths and gaining a global competitive advantage by reducing taxes for all Canadians, increasing competition in the marketplace and building modern infrastructure.

Service Canada brings Government of Canada services and benefits together in a single delivery network. It provides Canadians with one-stop service they can access however they choose - by phone at 1 800 O-Canada, on the Internet at servicecanada.gc.ca, or in person at Service Canada Centres across the country.

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For more information, contact:

Media Relations
Service Canada
Phone: 819-994-5559

Terry White
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-7791
Email: terry.white@gov.sk.ca