| May 20, 2010 Older Workers & New Skills = Better Jobs MISSION – New funding of $1 million will help older British Columbians in the Mission and Chilliwack-Hope regions gain new skills and new employment opportunities through the Canada - British Columbia Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) program. “Older workers continue to participate as part of our labour force so it’s important they are given the necessary training to help them reach their goals and succeed,” says Abbotsford-Mission MLA Randy Hawes. “The entire community benefits when older workers are given options and new training programs that refine and strengthen their skills,” says Maple Ridge-Mission MLA Marc Dalton. The TIOW is a federal-provincial/territorial cost-shared program to help unemployed older workers, primarily those aged 55 to 64 living in communities affected by high unemployment. This is one of 23 projects that will deliver a range of employment and skills training to nearly 800 older British Columbians. "It is essential that all Canadians have the opportunity to contribute to the Canadian economy," says the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. "Canadian workers are the backbone of our economy and it is important that our experienced workers in the labour force have the opportunity to update their skills so they continue to contribute to the economy." Since 2008, more than 1,700 British Columbians have been assisted through the TIOW. Including new projects announced today, more than $21 million has been committed to helping B.C.’s older workers. In 2009/10, more than 25,000 British Columbians benefitted from more than 25 different employment and skills training programs funded as a result of the Canada-B.C. Labour Market Agreement, the Strategic Training and Transition Fund and the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program. -30- | |
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