The Government of Canada Invests in Literacy and Helps People in Courtenay Gain Work Experience

COURTENAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Dec. 20, 2007) - The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced that the Government of Canada will provide funding to help unemployed individuals in Courtenay and the surrounding area gain work experience and improve literacy skills.

"Our government is creating the best educated, most skilled, and most flexible work force in the world," said Minister Day. "This project will help individuals in the Courtenay area gain practical work experience, and will provide local residents with opportunities to improve their literacy skills."

Through $74,140 in funding under the Job Creation Partnerships program, the Comox Valley Community Adult Literacy and Learning Society will gain four staff members, who will work to increase local literacy levels by creating a resource guide, conducting workshops, and organizing an awareness fair.

The Job Creation Partnerships program helps unemployed Canadians gain meaningful work experience that increases their chance of finding long-term employment. The program benefits both the participants and the local community.

This project reflects the Government of Canada's commitment to creating a strong economy for all Canadians. Through Advantage Canada, 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.

Earlier this year, the Government announced an additional $500 million a year for new training initiatives, including:

- funding to support literacy projects in the workplace;

- $28 million for the Enhanced Language Training Initiative, to help new Canadians improve their literacy skills so they can join the work force faster;

- $44 million for the Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills Program, to support literacy and essential skills activities that have a tangible and lasting impact on learners; and

- funding to create the Office of Literacy and Essential Skills, which helps adult learners access the tools they need to improve their skills and find meaningful work.

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.