Kamloops – Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops Thompson Cariboo, recently announced a call for proposals under the Opportunities Fund.
“Our top priorities are job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity, and we know that employers across this country are looking for workers,” said McLeod. “That is why I am proud to announce that the our government is helping 1 600 Canadians with disabilities get jobs through the Opportunities Fund program.
“According to a recent survey by the Bank of Montreal, 56 per cent of small businesses in Canada have never hired anyone with a disability.
“When asked why they had not, the most common answer from small business owners was that they do not know how to recruit them.
“The Conservative Government is taking action to address this problem by working with small business owners to help connect willing workers with jobs.
“Through the Opportunities Fund, the government is making an investment in Canadians with disabilities. The new investment is designed to provide work experience to these individuals resulting in ongoing employment in small or medium-sized enterprises across Canada. Some of the projects will increase employer awareness of the valuable contribution people with disabilities can make to their businesses and the Canadian economy.
“To support Canada’s continued economic growth, we must ensure that everyone who wants to work has the opportunity—including under-represented groups such as people with disabilities.
“The government will partner with eligible organizations such as businesses, not-for-profit organizations, Crown corporations and educational institutions to develop and manage large-scale national projects. Organizations have until Nov. 16, 2012 to apply. “
Information is available at www.servicecanada.gc.ca.