Kelowna, British Columbia — An individual with disabilities will get help to enter the job market as a result of the Government of Canada’s support to the Arion Therapeutic Riding Association. Mr. Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna–Lake Country, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

“In today’s environment, it is more important than ever that all Canadians have the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market,” said Mr. Cannan. “By supporting projects like this one, we are helping people with disabilities maximize their potential and independence.”

The Arion Therapeutic Riding Association will receive $1,733 under the Wage Subsidy component of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. This project will provide a work experience placement to a person with disabilities, allowing this individual to gain the skills required to obtain future employment.

“The Arion Therapeutic Riding Association is proud to work in partnership with the Government of Canada to provide an opportunity for a person with disabilities to make a successful transition into the workplace,” said Ms. Cathy Parmenter, Board President. “This funding will enable us to create an excellent opportunity for this individual, not only to build self-confidence, but to acquire practical, and valuable, work-related skills. It will also develop the potential for sustained, long-term employment.”

The federal government is working with the provinces and territories, community organizations and other stakeholders to provide Canadians with the training, skills and opportunities they need to gets jobs and contribute to their communities.

The Opportunities Fund helps support an array of activities, such as increasing employability skills, providing work experience and preparing individuals for self‑employment. The Government of Canada is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent Canadians with disabilities from reaching their full potential with a wide range of effective policies, programs and services.

The Fund is part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. The Government underscored its commitment to this strategy 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.

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.