FRANCAIS

February 10, 2004

Funding for training projects totalling over $250,000 and a new website providing information for Manitobans seeking employment were announced today by the Manitoba government.

Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade Minister Maryann Mihychuk, lead minister for the Neighbourhoods Alive! program, announced a total of $250,600 in funding through the program for three training projects:

• $65,000 for the renovation of the Urban Circle Training Centre’s new building on Selkirk Avenue (Project Biigiiwen);
• $20,700 in funding to the West Broadway Development Corporation for its Employment Resource Centre; and
• $164,900 in funding to the Winnipeg Boys and Girls Club Youth Recreation Activity Worker Training Program. Unemployed inner-city youth qualified for the program’s current session and are receiving Red River College certified training delivered on site at the Boys and Girls Club. Graduates are expected to find jobs with a variety of Winnipeg recreation organizations and agencies.

"We are extremely pleased to be able to support community initiated programs which provide opportunity and hope for inner-city residents," said Mihychuk. "These programs help to stabilize and revitalize inner-city neighbourhoods and encourage employment opportunities for residents."

Neighbourhoods Alive! is a long-term, community-based, social and economic development strategy that supports and encourages community driven revitalization efforts in specific neighbourhoods in Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson. The strategy focuses on key areas such as employment and training, education and recreation, safety, crime prevention, housing and physical improvements.

Also today, Family Services and Housing Minister Christine Melnick announced the launch of a website for Manitobans receiving Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) to give job seekers better access to information to assist them in their search for employment.

The Building Independence Resource Directory website makes available to all Manitobans, including those receiving EIA and community groups, a wide range of information on various programs, especially on educational and training opportunities, Melnick said.

"We have responded to requests from individuals and community groups for improved access to information on key programs and services that will make it easier for people receiving EIA to develop action plans to find a job," said Melnick. "This is another step on the path to helping people achieve greater self-sufficiency and independence."

Numerous organizations provide information for the new site including Manitoba Advanced Education and Training, Human Resources Development Canada, Taking Charge! and Opportunities for Employment.

The new website, available at http://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/bird, provides information on programs designed to help people improve their literacy, upgrade their academic or language skills, and prepare for training. It also lists specific skill training programs offered either in the classroom or as on-the-job instruction and presents information on programs that help people improve their job readiness and job search preparation.

In 2002, Manitoba Family Services and Housing also introduced a new computer tool that provides staff with better access to up to date information on training programs and employment opportunities so they can more easily match this information to EIA recipients.

- 30 -