Patty Hajdu, the Honourable Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, made an announcement regarding federal funding for social programs in St. John’s on Tuesday (January 29, 2019) during a press conference at the Choices for Youth Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland. At the event, Patty announced a funding increase for social programs in St. John’s aimed at helping young Canadians who face challenges in obtaining consistent employment.
According to the announcement, the government of Canada is providing 6.6 million dollars to the Choices For Youth not-for-profit here in the city, through the Skills Link program. The program is designed to provide skill development, education and housing opportunities for approximately 450 at-risk youth in St. John’s.
The briefing saw the executive director of the aforementioned program take to the podium to speak about social issues relevant to the area, and also saw Nick Whalen (an MP for St. John’s East) praise social programs and the work of Patty Majdu.
Speaking on the importance of programs aimed at assisting at-risk and financially challenged youth, the cabinet minister stated, “Our communities are healthier and stronger when everyone can fully participate. Supporting youth as they transition into the workforce and giving them the training they need to succeed benefits all of us by growing our economy and strengthening the middle class.”