PONOKA, ALBERTA—Blaine Calkins, Member of Parliament for Wetaskiwin, and Kevin Sorenson, Member of Parliament for Crowfoot, on behalf of the Honorable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced $436,300 in Youth Employment Strategy funding to the Microbusiness Training Centre to help youth from the communities of Ponoka, Rimbey and Bashaw find employment, start their own business or return to school.

“Canada’s New Government is committed to funding innovative and effective programs to help rural young Canadians get career-related experience,” said Mr. Calkins.  “Investing in Canada's future helps us build a stronger economy, stronger communities, and a stronger society.”

“Projects like this help give rural youth, facing barriers to employment, the opportunity to explore the world of business,” explained Mr. Sorenson, “and develop skills that will serve them well in the future.”

The program was developed by Microbusiness Training Centre but will be offered through the local Community Adult Learning Councils in Ponoka, Bashaw and Rimbey.  Participants will develop career, business development and personal skills to help them make informed choices about the opportunities available to them.   They will be coached and mentored through a series of programs designed to help them achieve their goals, start a business, return to school or join the workforce.

“While Alberta is enjoying an economic boom, we still find that rural youth are facing a number of barriers to employment, particularly if they wish to stay in the community,” said David Salsbury, president of Microbusiness Training Centre. “By working with Service Canada, we are able to provide business, employment and career options to young people that they may not have considered.”

Service Canada is funding this project through the Skills Link program, one of three programs offered under the Youth Employment Strategy.  The other two are: Summer Work Experience and Career Focus.  Canada’s New Government is committed to improving opportunities for youth by working with employers, community organizations and other levels of government to ensure that youth have opportunities to develop their skills and gain the job experience required to contribute to a strong and productive workforce.

Service Canada provides Canadians with one-stop, easy-to-access personalized service by bringing Government of Canada programs and services together in a single delivery network to meet the needs of Canadians, wherever they live.  Canadians can access services by phone, through the 1 800 O-Canada line, by Internet at servicecanada.ca, by mail or in person.