A job skills program for students with developmental disabilities at NorQuest College’s Edmonton campus will continue.
The future of the Transitions to Employment program was in jeopardy after reductions to federal employment preparation funding. The year-long experience for young adults with developmental disabilities helps prepare them for work and offers job experience.
Andrea Silvestri’s son Jacob was set to start the program this month and would have gained resume writing skills and completing a work placement, along with forming friendships with peers in the same situation as him.
The news of the cancellation of the program in August was a blow for the family and Jacob who is eligible for Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) due to a mild cognitive disability.
“So happy that it’s happening, disappointed that it had to come to this with parents fighting and advocating for our kids, but glad that hopefully they’re going to be able to still salvage somewhat of the year,” she said in an interview with CBC.
Federal and provincial back-and-forth
The program at NorQuest College was one of many caught in the fallout after the federal government’s decision to discontinue a top-up to labour market transfer agreements, which help pay for employment programs across the country.
NorQuest confirmed to CBC in September that the program will be offered in Edmonton. Staff are now in the process of contacting students to confirm their interest and determining a new start date in the coming months, based on students’ schedules.
“This program is key to helping those with developmental disabilities gain independence and build stronger futures for themselves,” said Maroro Zinyemba, dean with the faculty of skills and foundational learning.
“We want to thank our students and their families for advocating for this program, and we would like to express our appreciation to the government of Alberta and minister of advanced education for recognizing its importance and providing the necessary funding for the program to continue.”
Varun Chandrasekar, press secretary for the office of the minister of advanced education, said in a statement that about $351,000 in funding was allocated to the college’s Transitions to Employment program on Sept 5.
“Alberta’s government is continuously evaluating the full extent of the federal cut and working tirelessly to support low-income students across the province who will disproportionately bear the brunt of Ottawa’s decision.”
In a previous statement to CBC, Mathis Denis, press secretary for Randy Boissonnault, federal minister of employment, workforce development and official languages, said provinces knew about, and should have planned for the funding changes.
Denis noted the Alberta government’s $4 billion surplus last year and said provinces can also expect more federal revenue through changes to the capital gains tax.
Despite the jurisdictional back-and-forth, Silvestri said she is happy her son will be able to get back on track after multiple interviews and a rigorous application process.
“It provides people with disabilities with life skills and job skills, and gets them an employable position, which in turn, may get them off of other social programs,” she said about the program’s importance.
“But most importantly, it just gives them a sense of confidence and gives them a sense of belonging and being a part of the community, and having an employed position.”