Community partnerships to help Islanders succeed in growing economy
Creating jobs for Islanders -
The Government of Prince Edward Island is building on its partnerships with community organizations across the province to jointly help strengthen Island communities and assist Islanders in entering the workforce.
Through these initiatives, Islanders will share the benefits of strong growth in the Island economy and responsible government spending.
Nearly $1 million in funding will go to help community partners such as the East Prince Youth Development Centre, the Adventure Group, the PEI Reach Foundation, the Construction Association of PEI and the PEI Literacy Alliance to empower Islanders to become employment ready, gain self-confidence and connect to jobs in communities across Prince Edward Island.
The Government of Prince Edward Island recognizes the strong contributions these organizations make in the lives of Islanders through capacity building, mentorship and skills-based training and believes this investment will enable them to continue their work creating opportunities for Islanders to prosper.
“In 2017, we saw continued strong economic performance in the province and we have a positive outlook into 2018,” said Finance Minister Heath MacDonald. “We are pleased to build on our investments to help Islanders create a successful future for themselves and our communities. One of the best ways we can achieve this is by partnering with community organizations that work directly with Islanders and continue to set a high benchmark of success.”
Barb Broome, Executive Director of East Prince Youth Development Centre, says additional funding from the Government of Prince Edward Island will help Islanders prepare for jobs.
“East Prince Youth Development Centre offers a supportive environment to help clients address barriers to employment and create a brighter future for themselves and their families,” said Broome. “Along with our day-to-day programming, we will be working with social assistance, disability support and newcomers clients in Prince County to build skills and help them connect with jobs in their area.”
In addition to the funding support for the organizations announced today, the provincial government has renewed annual funding for 11 employment assistance service providers to a total of $4.4 million. These employment assistance service providers help more than 5,000 Islanders connect to employment every year.
“Our economy is stronger than ever and our population is growing. Islanders are hard workers and our businesses and communities are growing and diversifying into new areas of activity,” said Workforce and Advanced Learning Minister Sonny Gallant. “We need to make sure all Islanders can benefit from this success and one way to do that is to invest in the groups who are helping people build the skills, experience and connections they need for great long-term careers.”
Provincial investments in the Island workforce are supported in part through the Canada – PEI Labour Market Agreements.
Media contact:
Katie MacDonald
katiemacdonald@gov.pe.ca
Backgrounder:
The East Prince Youth Development Centre - $75,000
Funding will help Islanders prepare for jobs. The organization will work with social assistance, disability support and newcomers clients in Prince County to build skills and help them connect with jobs.
PEI Reach Foundation - $150,000
PEI Reach Foundation will receive funding to support youth who are recovering from mental health and addictions challenges as they develop additional work skills to enter or re-enter the workforce.
Adventure Group - $225,000
Funding for the Adventure Group will support year two of the Harvest and Prosper program connecting farmers and other employers in the Queens County and Kings County areas with social assistance and disability support clients, and newcomers looking for jobs and new opportunities in Prince Edward Island.
Construction Association of PEI - $295,000
The PEI Construction Association has received renewed funding to support year two of Team Construction, helping another 20 young Islanders to receive training and employment in the construction industry, make valuable connections, and gain exposure to a high-paying jobs in the construction sector. Provincial support for the Construction Association has resulted in the Association being able to train more workers and fill available jobs.
PEI Literacy Alliance - $150,000
The PEI Literacy Alliance will also receive a second year of special provincial funding of $150,000 to support their important services aimed at improving the literacy rates of Islanders of all ages.