Released on July 25, 2003
The Government of Saskatchewan helped 45 people in the Melfort area obtain employment last year through Canada-Saskatchewan Career and Employment Services, part of the Department of Community Resources and Employment.The Canada-Saskatchewan Career and Employment Services Centre in Melfort is one of 20 centres across the province that offer employment programs, including Community Works and Bridging Programs. The programs bring together individuals, community based organizations, employers, and government in providing opportunities for unemployed people, and enable the province to link job seekers with employers.
"Saskatchewan is a great place to live, work, and do business," Community Resources and Employment Minister Glenn Hagel said during a visit to Melfort. "Community Resources and Employment offers a variety of services to assist businesses, especially small and medium-sized companies, who are looking to hire staff or to establish new operations in Saskatchewan." The Department also helps unemployed people obtain the supports or work experience they need to get a job or become self-employed.
"Community Works is a marvelous program," Melfort & District Museum Curator Frances Westlund said. "As a community based organization with a very small core workforce, we were able to utilize the program and hire additional staff for the summer, many of whom will be able to put their new skills and experience to use for other employers."
Cornerstone Administration Inc. is another community based organization benefiting from the Canada-Saskatchewan Career and Employment Services Centre. Cornerstone provides career services to people who have barriers to employment, and facilitates the Bridging Program in Melfort through contract with Community Resources and Employment. Bridging provides a flexible array of services and employment supports based on the needs of the client. Through bridging, clients receive job readiness skills, life skills, entry level work skills, mentoring, and job coaching.
Both the Community Works and Bridging Programs are contributing to the province's goal of economic independence and self-reliance, which ultimately benefits all Saskatchewan people. Statistics Canada figures show there were 501,500 people working in Saskatchewan last month (seasonally unadjusted) compared to June 2002. This is an increase of 7,200 over last year's numbers, setting a new record for June and marking the 14th straight month of job growth in the province.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Janet Miller Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306)787-0531 Email: jmiller2@dcre.gov.sk.ca |