Chance to Choose project receives investment from Government of Canada

Press Release

Youth facing barriers to employment benefit from job skills enhancement and employment opportunities

July 7, 2017 Port Coquitlam, British Columbia Employment and Social Development Canada

When Canada’s most vulnerable youth get the help and support they need to find and keep good jobs, our middle class grows and our economy thrives.

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, announced that the Government of Canada will invest over $2.7 million in the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Chance to Choose: A Youth Employment Program to help vulnerable youth get the skills and knowledge they need to overcome barriers and make a successful transition to the job market, or return to school.

The project will provide hands-on work experience, job search assistance and skills enhancement resources for youth facing barriers to employment—including Indigenous youth, female youth at risk and members of a visible minority.

Over a three-year period, 352 youth will have access to critical training in a wide range of job readiness skills and will gain critical workplace experience. They will also have the opportunity to meet with host employers in preparation for their work placement.

Minister Hajdu also highlighted that, in addition to support from the Skills Link program, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is receiving over $23,000 through the Government of Canada’s Summer Jobs program. This funding will provide six students with summer work experience as a Multicultural Summer Camp Leader, Co-leader, Youth Assistants and Program Assistants.

Minister Hajdu made the announcement at the Leigh Square Community Arts Village, accompanied by Ron McKinnon, Member of Parliament for Coquitlam–Port Coquitlam.

Quotes

“Supporting vulnerable youth means they will have the chance to thrive in the workforce. Our government is firmly focused on inclusive growth, which means ensuring that every Canadian has a fair shot at success. Through Skills Link and Canada Summer Jobs funding, youth will get the support they need to take part in our society. It’s with projects like this that more young people will be able to thrive and achieve success in their future.”

– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

“Chance to Choose assists countless Coquitlam–Port Coquitlam residents find meaningful, long term employment – this is a smart investment in our local economy. I’ve worked with S.U.C.C.E.S.S. on a number of issues and I’m looking forward to collaborating on Chance to Choose.”

– Ron McKinnon, Member of Parliament for Coquitlam–Port Coquitlam

“We are very grateful that the Government of Canada continues to support this program. A Chance to Choose is no ordinary program. It empowers youth with multiple opportunities to rebuild their confidence, equips them with employment skills, engages them in the community and supports them to move forward in life.”

– Queenie Choo, Chief Executive Officer, S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

Quick Facts

Each year the Government invests more than $330 million in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES) to help young people gain the skills, abilities and work experience they need to find and maintain good employment.
Total funding for YES was increased by $278 million in 2016–17, representing the largest investment since its launch.
Budget 2017 proposed an additional $395.5 million over three years for YES, starting in 2017–18.
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is one of the largest social service agencies in British Columbia. It is a non-profit organization, initially founded to assist new Canadians of Chinese descent overcome language and cultural barriers.
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. has evolved into a multicultural, multi-service agency with a mission to build bridges, harvest diversity and foster integrity by assisting people at all stages of their Canadian experience.