BRANTFORD, ON, June 11 /CNW/ - The Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of
Human Resources Development and Member of Parliament for Brant, today
announced funding of $1,113,248 for three Employment Assistance Services
projects in the Brantford area. Two of the projects are being undertaken by
the St. Leonard's Society of Brant and one by the Grand Erie District School
Board.
    "These employment resource centres will support job seekers in taking the
steps necessary to return to the work force," said Minister Stewart. "The
Government of Canada is pleased to support projects that are working to help
individuals of all ages determine and reach their employment and career
goals."
    Funding is being provided through Employment Assistance Services, a
support measure of the Employment Insurance Act that helps unemployed
individuals prepare for, obtain and maintain employment, and provides
counselling, job search techniques, job placement and labour market
information.

    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.

                     HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT CANADA
                       Employment Assistance Services
                             Brantford, Ontario

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      Project                Description                             Funding
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    Careerlink     Under the first project, the Grand Erie           $440,663
                   District School Board will provide unemployed
                   residents in Brant County with employment
                   services. The Careerlink project will provide
                   job seekers with a Community Career Exploration
                   Centre and a Job Search Resource Centre.
                   Clients will be able to conduct job searches
                   and prepare résumés and cover letters using
                   their computer equipment and employment
                   resource room. Clients may also access testing
                   services to help them make choices about their
                   career and employment goals. Free "Making
                   Choices" workshops will also be held.
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    Youth          The St. Leonard's Society of Brant will receive   $228,470
    Resource       funding to develop a youth resource centre
    Centre         designed to help unemployed youth, 16 years of
                   age or older, prepare for the labour market.
                   The centre will enable youth to take part in
                   employment preparation, life skills and
                   financial information workshops to increase
                   their employability skills for securing future
                   employment. The participants will also develop
                   an action plan to enter or re-enter the work
                   force and establish goals and employment
                   objectives. Employment counsellors will be
                   available to provide the youth with guidance,
                   support and work referrals to help them obtain
                   jobs that meet their skills and interests.
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    Community      The St. Leonard's Society of Brant will           $444,115
    Career         undertake a project that will operate seven
    Resource       community resource centres in various Brant-
    Centres        Haldimand locations. The centres will enable
                   2,500 citizens to access career, labour market
                   and employment information. One-on-one and
                   group services will also be offered to help
                   unemployed individuals make informed decisions
                   about career choices and finding and maintaining
                   employment. Clients will be able to access tools
                   and resources that will help them in their job
                   searches.
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