For immediate release
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
CHS urges government to continue employment programs for vulnerable people
Toronto, ON (February 5, 2014) – In January 2014, Canadians across the country showed strong support to the Canadian Hearing Society (CHS) and other employment service agencies for delivering vital employment and skills training programs.
Canadians generated over one million Twitter impressions with their activity in a cross-country social media day on January 15, 2014, organized by the Employability Training Alliance (ETA), a national group of organizations supporting job creation, literacy and skills training. CHS joined in the social media campaign that promoted the need for Labour Market Agreement (LMA) programs to help vulnerable groups such as Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people find employment.
Valuable employment programs for Canada’s most vulnerable populations are at risk of being eliminated as governments negotiate the Canada Job Grant. The 2014 federal budget is scheduled for February 11 and time is running out to preserve the LMA.
“Employment Services that support people who are Deaf and hard of hearing, who are under-employed and under-represented in the workforce, are crucial. The proposed changes to the Labour Market Agreements and the Canada Job Grant have a potential serious impact on our Employment Services for people who are vulnerable,” Chris Kenopic, president and CEO of the Canadian Hearing Society said.,
Employment agencies all over Canada including CHS have said provincial and federal governments must work together to preserve the proven LMA training initiatives, alongside any new programs like the Canada Job Grant.
Chris Atchison, ETA member and chair of The Canadian Coalition of Community-Based Employability Training, said, “The overwhelming support from Canadians in joining this national conversation on the achievements of workforce training through LMAs demonstrates that we need to make sure these programs and services aren’t thrown out. Changes shouldn’t be made unless alternatives will give all Canadians the chance to gain the skills and knowledge to fully participate in the labour market.”
In addition to the enthusiastic support Canadians showed for the value of LMA employment training and services and the benefit to taxpayers and the economy, the Department of Employment and Social Development, the federal body responsible for the LMAs, also documented their effectiveness. A department report found that 86% of LMA participants were employed after completing job training programs (compared to 44% before entering), with average earnings increased by $323 per week.
CHS Employment Services programs have proven successful over the years. During a six-month period in 2013, CHS Employment Services assisted over 160 Deaf and hard of hearing job seekers to find jobs.
In the province of Ontario, there are thousands of LMA success stories, such as Andy Van De Wetering, who was unemployed and received support from CHS’s Employment Services. With 60% hearing loss in one ear and 40% in the other, Van De Wetering was apprehensive about re-entering the workforce and any accessibility issues that might await him. The LMA-funded program helped Van De Wetering rework his résumé and reframe his skill set. He landed a part-time teaching position at Fleming College in Peterborough and then a position as a certified electrician and customer support technician at the Automotive Centre of Excellence at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.
The Employability Training Alliance commends efforts by the provinces and territories in supporting quality employment and skills programs for Canadians who need them most. The ETA and CHS urge the federal government to maintain full funding of Labour Market Agreements, in addition to negotiating terms and conditions for any other labour market initiatives.
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About the Employability Training Alliance (ETA)
The ETA is a coalition of over 20 organizations across Canada established to provide a voice for non-governmental organizations developing, delivering or supporting effective labour market programs. Click here for a list of founding partners on the LMA Works website.
About the Canadian Hearing Society
The Canadian Hearing Society (CHS) was incorporated in 1940 to provide services, products and information to culturally Deaf, oral deaf, deafened, and hard of hearing people and to educate the hearing public. CHS is governed by a board of directors, the majority of whom are deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing. The organization is funded by government, grants, membership and various fundraising activities. For more information or to find your regional office, visit www.chs.ca.
Media contact for Employability Training Alliance:
Chris Atchison
Chair, CCCBET – The Canadian Coalition of Community Based Employability Training
catchison@aspect.bc.ca
Office: 250 382 9675 ext: 233
CHS Media Contact:
Marie-Lauren Gregoire
Email: mgregoire@chs.ca
Phone: 416-928-2500 ext 272