The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills:

 Speaker, I am pleased to share an update on our government’s Working Opportunities Program, a new skills-development initiative empowering residents to overcome barriers to employment and obtain education and skills for better jobs, better pay, and improved well-being.

Working Opportunities is a $3.5-million program that supports the Provincial Government’s Poverty Reduction Plan. It enables eligible unemployed or precariously employed individuals to attend a post-secondary program with the benefit of receiving funding for training costs, a living allowance, and childcare.

This September, the inaugural Working Opportunities class of 44 participants began their journey.

These 44 individuals are attending full-time post-secondary programs ranging from 12 weeks to three years in duration, including practical nursing, paramedicine, pharmacy technician, carpentry, and early childhood education. These individuals are learning new skills that will benefit all of us.

Speaker, I ask all members to join me in wishing the inaugural class of Working Opportunities success in their endeavors, and I encourage members to suggest this program to their constituents.

Thank you.