A significant investment to improve the skills of Canadians with disabilities was announced at a Thursday, June 1 news conference in Nanaimo. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

funding announcement

Federal cash announced in Nanaimo to advance job training for people with disabilities

Jun 1, 2023 | 4:12 PM

NANAIMO — Harnessing untapped potential among those with disabilities was the focus of a news conference in Nanaimo as National Accessibility Week concludes.

Carla Qualtrough, federal minister of employment, workforce, development and disability inclusion, attended a local job placement firm on Thursday, June 1 to announce $16 million for half a dozen programs under the government’s Skills 4 Success initiative.

She said the digitally available programs are aimed at improving outcomes for employees in areas such as numeracy, problem solving, digital competency and communications.

“These skills are of course so important when you consider how quickly the nature of work is changing. The goal of this program is to ensure, as much as possible, that everyone who wants to work can do so.”

Qualtrough estimated about 7,400 Canadians would benefit from the funding.

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Nanaimo based ETHOS Career Management Group is getting a share of the cash through its Quest 4 Success Project,

The ETHOS project involves an online gaming structure designed to address foundational and transferable skills, Qualtrough said.

“Most of the project activities will take place here in BC and Alberta, but since of course the approach is digital, it will all ultimately become available online to organizations across Canada.”

She noted more than 6.2 million Canadians identify as having a disability.

ETHOS Career Mgt. Group also received $3 million for a two year project to help about 200 women with disabilities throughout the province create and implement business concepts and plans.

Khandro Turnquist is an ETHOS Career Mgt. employee in Duncan.

As a disabled immigrant lacking confidence, Turnquist questioned her place in Canada’s job market.

“Would it be a detriment? Would I be worth employing? If I have these thoughts, I can assure you many others do as well.”

Turnquist praised the federally funded job training program she received to learn how to create resumes, apply for jobs, learn basics about Canadian finances and form professional relationships.

“Having someone believe in you is a mighty powerful thing. The value of these programs for individuals with disabilities can’t be overstated,” Turnquist said.

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On Twitter: @reporterholmes