The Battlefords Chamber of Commerce has announced it is receiving funding for its local Training and Employment Network initiative.
The TEN is funded through Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and administered by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. It has been developed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, says the Chamber, and will provide support to communities and companies to integrate Indigenous, immigrant, youth, and women workers into the workforce.
Through this network, the Battlefords Chamber receives up to $10,000 in funding to develop and implement a Community Action Plan which will identify gaps in regional labour markets, and create opportunities for employers and workers. The intent, says the Chamber, “is to provide clear and locally coordinated pathways for workers to be identified, as well as to present learning opportunities to enhance skills using a combination of existing and new training for employers.”
“The TEN initiative provides a great opportunity for the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce to partner with local agencies to prepare indigenous youth and newcomers to support local employers with their labour needs,” says Battlefords Chamber Vice Chair Melanie Roberts in a statement. “Our hope is this initiative has positive impacts on both business sustainability and social investment.”
Several other chambers are also participating in the TEN including Estevan, Humboldt, Kindersley, Lloydminster, Moose Jaw, Nipawin, Prairie Sky (Warman & Martensville), Prince Albert, Swift Current, Weyburn, and Yorkton.
“There is no question that Saskatchewan businesses and our workforce have been severely impacted by COVID-19. As chambers of commerce, we are in a unique position to bring together efforts, align growth and work towards a common goal. With the Training & Employment Network, we will connect people to employers and training based on skills,” said Steve McLellan, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, in a news release. “We are thankful for Western Economic Diversification Canada’s support in launching this important program.”
“Helping employers and people underrepresented in our economy and looking for employment in their communities is the right thing to do,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, in a statement. “The Government of Canada is committed to providing businesses with the vital support they need and working with you to support good, local jobs so that Western Canada’s economy can return strong.”
