Press Release

OCTOBER 23, 2003 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ANNOUNCES FUNDING TO HELP SARS AFFECTED WORKERS TORONTO - Mr. Roy Cullen, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North and, Mr. Tony Ianno, Member of Parliament for Trinity-Spadina, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development, today announced funding of $1,170,556 to help workers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) affected by SARS. The funding is for two Employment Recovery Centres-Community MicroSkills and the Working Skills Centre. "Community MicroSkills and The Working Skills Centre are two multicultural, non-profit community-based organizations that have proven track records in providing support to workers who have lost their jobs," said Mr. Cullen. Human Resources Development Canada entered into contribution agreements with the Working Skills Centre and Community MicroSkills to develop two Employment Recovery Centres. Funded through Employment Assistance Services (EAS), a support measure of the Employment Insurance Act, the two centres will provide employment supports to workers in the GTA affected by the economic impact of SARS. Funding of $521,582 is being provided for Community MicroSkills and the Working Skills Centre will receive $648,974. "The Government of Canada is pleased to support this effort that will help SARS-affected workers in the GTA access the information and resources they need to secure work," said Mr. Ianno. "It is vital that we continue to work closely with the communities affected by SARS to overcome and recover from the devastating effects of this unprecedented outbreak." The two Employment Recovery Centres will be operating under the name of JobTrack with locations downtown, near the entertainment district, and in the west end, close to the airport area. The centres will enable clients from SARS-affected industries to find and keep work. Clients will be directed to the programs and services available to them in the community, assisted in addressing some of the personal challenges they face as a result of a job loss, and provided with the tools needed to help them re-enter the work force. …/2 - 2 - Employment Assistance Services helps unemployed individuals prepare for, obtain and maintain employment, and provides counselling, job search techniques, job placement and labour market information. Since the SARS outbreak, the Government of Canada has introduced a number of measures to help the GTA recover from the economic impact of SARS. This funding announcement is another example of the Government's commitment to helping Canadians when they need it most. Funding for these projects was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget. These projects have been reviewed to ensure compliance with the Department's administration of its grant and contribution programs. SUMMARY OF THE CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS· Government of Canada total funding: $1,170,556· Distribution of funding:$648,974 for Working Skills Centre$521,582 for Community MicroSkills· Objective: support workers affected by the economic impact of SARS See attached backgrounder for more information. For more information: Mr. David Cuddemi, Office Manager Roy Cullen, M.P. Etobicoke North Phone: (416) 747-6003 Fax: (416) 747-8295 E-mail: Roycullen0@rogers.com