News Release

May 19, 2009

Pathfinder moves forward with cash

A Newton-based program to help young adults find decent jobs is on a healthier financial path, thanks to $238,000 in federal finding announced Friday.

The money will help Pathfinder Youth Centre Society operate its Working Together 7 project, designed to aid a dozen youth who face employment barriers.

Accepted applicants are placed in a 22 to 28 week program to build a variety of skills and confidence.

Pathfinder's work is a "tremendous public service", said Fleetwood-Port Kells MP Nina Grewal, who announced the funding.

"In today's environment, it is more important than ever that our youth develop the skills needed to participate and succeed in the job market", she told a small gathering at Pathfinder's office space.

Richard Cyr, 24, is a proud graduate of a similar Pathfinder program. "The program gives you the courage to face the futre....(It) got me moving in the right direction".

The society's boss, Orville Lee, said the federal funding "keeps us on the path, keeps us going".

Program details are online at pathfinderyouthsociety.org, or call 604-598-2703

April 3, 2009

Government of Canada helps youth gain employment skills

Young British Columbians will get the chance to develop employment skills while gaining valuable work experience thanks to the federal government's investment in a local youth employment project.

Ms. Nina Grewal, Member of Parliament for Fleetwood-Port Kells, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

"In today's economic environment, it is essential that youth develop the skills needed to participate and succeed in the job market", said Ms. Grewal. "By supporting the continuation of this project, we are helping youth in Surrey gain the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to obtain full-time employment".

The Pathfinder Youth Centre Society will receive more than $390,000 through the Government of Canada's Skills Link program to deliver its Employment Beginnings program. In the seventh year of delivering this program, Pathfinder will help 24 young Canadians develop employment skills by providing relevant training in the hospitality and tourism industries. Youth participants will also gain valuable work experience through work placements at local restaurants, hotels and retail locations.

Skills Link is one of Canada's youth employment programs, and is part of the Government of Canada's strategy to create the best-educated, most-skilled and most flexible work force in the world. The Government underscored its commitment to create a strong work force in Canada's Economic Action Plan. A key component of the Plan is to create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development.