NEW TRAINING PROGRAM ANNOUNCED FOR CANADIAN FARM PRODUCERS

OTTAWA, November 7, 2005 - A program to help farm producers and their spouses gain access to training is among the first new services available in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Ontario, British Columbia and the Yukon through the newly-launched Service Canada.

The Canadian Agricultural Skills Service (CASS) was announced today by Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Andy Mitchell and Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Democratic Renewal, Belinda Stronach.

“Farming is a complex business. Producers need specialized knowledge and skills, just as experts in other sectors do, in order to make informed decisions and remain profitable,” said Minister Mitchell. “The CASS program provides access to training that can help producers gain this knowledge and further develop these important skills.”

“I am proud that Service Canada will be working with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to better serve the needs of the agricultural community across Canada,” said Minister Stronach. “This is the essence of our service commitment to Canadians regardless of where they live: ensuring people have access to the services and benefits they need, when they need them.”

Service Canada, the federal government’s new integrated service delivery organization, will be delivering CASS in the five provinces and one territory on behalf of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. CASS is available in Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, delivered by the provincial governments or other delivery agents.

Nationally, CASS is providing $55.47 million in training funds over the next three years -- $13.48 million through this announcement alone -- to help Canadian farm families including families just starting out in farming, improve their income options in the face of an increasingly complex business environment. Through the program, participants have access to a career development expert to develop an individual learning plan. They may also receive financial assistance to cover the costs of course fees and training material.

Training for farmers and their spouses through CASS can be aimed at improving current farm practices, taking advantage of new business opportunities in the industry, or obtaining off-farm employment. It may include formal training, such as college courses, or more informal training, such as workshops or seminars.

Service Canada integrates services from a number of federal departments to form an easy-to-access service delivery network. These services touch all aspects of the lives of Canadians: from parental and pension benefits, to matching employers with job seekers, applying for a passport and obtaining a Social Insurance Number. Today, this network brings together 320 points of service in communities throughout Canada; a national 1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232) telephone service providing Canadians with information about all federal government services; and a range of on-line services at www.servicecanada.gc.ca.

The CASS program will be available until March 31, 2008. More information about CASS and other AAFC Renewal programs can be found at http://www.agr.gc.ca/renewal. Anyone interested in applying can visit their local Service Canada office, call 1-800 O Canada (1 800 622-6232) or click on www.servicecanada.gc.ca.

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