BRANDON, MB, July 14, 2015 /CNW/ - MP Larry Maguire, on behalf of the Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of Employment and Social Development, along with Manitoba Minister of Jobs and the Economy Kevin Chief, today announced an investment of over $996,000 to help unemployed older workers in Manitoba. The multi-year project will be funded by the Governments of Canada and Manitoba through the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) program.
This project will provide approximately 100 unemployed workers between the ages of 55 and 64 in Brandon, Manitoba with skills upgrading activities, including training and work placements. The experience they will acquire will help them qualify for jobs, and reintegrate into the labour market.
In Economic Action Plan 2014, the Government renewed the TIOW program for an additional three years. The program's eligibility criteria were expanded to include communities experiencing unfulfilled employer demand and/or skills mismatches. Areas experiencing high unemployment or significant downsizing are also eligible for the program.
During the program extension, the province will have the flexibility to determine how best to address the needs of older workers in their communities, while helping businesses benefit from their skills and talents.
Quick Facts
- The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) is a federal–provincial/territorial cost-shared initiative that provides unemployed older workers with training to help them reintegrate into the labour market, and enhance their employability.
- To date, the program has assisted more than 38,000 unemployed older workers in small communities across the country, 75% of which have found jobs after participating.
- The "Age is an Asset" TIOW project will help approximately 100 unemployed older workers in Brandon, Manitoba to develop the skills they need to re-integrate into the labour force.
Quotes
"Our Government's top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity for Canadian families. We are very pleased to work with the Government of Manitoba to support these projects, as they will help unemployed older workers develop new skills and the experience needed for job opportunities in their communities."
– Larry Maguire, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris
"Helping older individuals enhance their skills and become self-employed is one way we make sure Manitobans have access to the best opportunities for success, Manitobans want to give back and this program helps them do that where it matters most, in their hometowns."
– The Honourable Kevin Chief, Manitoba Minister of Jobs and the Economy
"Samaritan House Ministries Inc. is proud to offer the new program Age is An Asset sponsored by the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba. This program focuses on individuals between the ages of 54-65 who are looking to enhance their employability skills. This includes such tasks as computer literacy, confidentiality standards, workplace safety, and many more themes to assist individuals in being competitive in future employment. We have available 15 spaces for the program and are proud to state that those are full. We look forward to continuing this program in the community of Brandon, Manitoba and partnering with the different levels of government. "
–Thea Dennis, Executive Director, Samaritan House Ministries Inc.
Associated Links
Backgrounder
Targeted Initiative for Older Workers
The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) is a federal-provincial/territorial cost‑shared initiative that provides unemployed older workers, normally between the ages of 55 and 64, with employment assistance services, skills upgrading, and work experience. The TIOW assists unemployed older workers in small communities of 250,000 or less to reintegrate into the labour market and enhance their employability.
Through Economic Action Plan 2014, the Government renewed the TIOW program for an additional three-year period, representing a federal investment of $75 million. As part of program renewal, the program's eligibility criteria was also expanded so that in addition to communities experiencing high unemployment and/or significant downsizing or closures, those experiencing unfulfilled employer demand and/or skills mismatches can now participate in the initiative.
Since its launch in 2007, provinces and territories have targeted more than 38,000 unemployed older workers in small communities across the country for TIOW participation, including more than 880 in Manitoba.
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected], Follow us on Twitter; Ministry of Jobs and the Economy, Manitoba, Contact: Gabrielle Giroday, 204-945-2824; Minister Kevin Chief, Contact: Andrew Tod, 204-945-1494
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