FOR RELEASE     #10-152
August 11, 2010

WHITEHORSE – Persons with disabilities will be better able to access jobs as a result of new Labour Market Development Agreement funding for the Yukon Council on disABILITY worth $281,726, Education Minister Patrick Rouble announced today.

“As we move towards economic recovery, it is more important than ever that all Yukoners, including those with disabilities, are able to participate and succeed in the job market,” the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada said. “Our government understands that each province and territory is best able to respond to its unique labour market needs and we are proud to support a project that will build the information and networks to help Yukon develop a skilled and inclusive workforce.”

This new three-year funding will be used to support activities such as hosting an international conference to increase community awareness and the development of community and service provider skills, networks and protocols. The new funds will also be integral in enabling the Yukon Council on disABILITY to support the work of the Disabilities Employment Strategy Task Force, which will play a guiding role in the development of a made-for-Yukon Disability Employment Strategy.

“This new agreement provides an excellent opportunity for the Government of Yukon to display its continued commitment to increase participation in the labour force of all Yukoners, including persons with disabilities,” Rouble said. “We look forward to working in partnership with the Yukon Council on disABILITY to create the Disability Employment Strategy for our territory.”

“The Yukon Council on disABILITY is extremely pleased to partner with Yukon government on this initiative,” Yukon Council on disABILITY executive director Lisa Rawlings Bird said. “The relationships established through the development of a home grown Disability Employment Strategy will support the full and meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities in Yukon’s labour force.”

“This funding is a testament to our goal of ensuring that individuals with disabilities have improved access to the Yukon labour market,” Rouble said.

This initiative is funded through the Canada-Yukon Labour Market Development Agreement, which supports programs that develop and implement strategies to address labour market challenges and meet human resource needs.

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