BRIDGEWATER, NOVA SCOTIA — Almost 200 unemployed older workers across the province will receive help to find work, thanks to a new program called the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW).

A joint investment of $1.8 million was announced today, October 11, 2007, by Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret's, Mr. Gerald Keddy, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, and the Honourable Karen Casey, Minister of Education, in support of this Initiative.
"An aging population is causing the work force in Nova Scotia to change, and our government is committed to providing educational resources to assist older workers through these changes," said Minister Casey. "Our older workers are a valuable resource, and this program supports our efforts in providing them with the support they need to obtain and upgrade their skills."

The first 13 projects funded under the TIOW will be delivered by organizations across the province that support older workers. The support will include employment assistance activities, essential skills upgrading, preparation for self-employment, and work experience.

"Canada's New Government has made a commitment to creating the best-educated, most-skilled and most-flexible work force in the world," said MP Keddy. "These community programs will help at least 190 older workers in Nova Scotia to upgrade their skills, benefit from job counselling, and gain work experience."

The TIOW also supports the efforts of existing programs such as Nova Scotia's Age Advantage Initiative. This program is a recommendation under the TIOW, and was designed to help displaced and unemployed older workers navigate life and work changes.

The TIOW is a $70 million federal government commitment that provides programming nationally until March 31, 2009. Under this Initiative, the provinces and territories that choose to participate have the responsibility for identifying vulnerable communities, and for the projects' design and delivery. The participating provinces and territories then work with organizations in affected communities to develop the projects.

"At NSCC, we welcome and support learners and industry partners of all ages, cultures, career backgrounds and aspirations," said Dr. Joan McArthur-Blair, President of Nova Scotia Community College, and grant recipient.

"Diversity is an essential contributor to our province's prosperity. Older workers contribute great knowledge and experience to the success of our economy, and they serve as role models for the next generation of industry leaders."

The TIOW is part of the federal government's two-part strategy for assisting older workers. In addition to the TIOW, an Expert Panel on older workers has been appointed to study labour market conditions affecting older workers. The Panel is looking at other potential measures to help older workers, including improved training and enhanced income support. The TIOW offers programming to meet the immediate needs of unemployed older workers pending the outcome of the study.

To obtain further information, please visit www.olderworker.ca.