Back in Motion Wins Five BC Employment Program Contracts

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Dec. 14, 2011) - Starting next April, Back in Motion and partners will be delivering the new Employment Program of British Columbia in five Lower Mainland cities - Richmond, Langley, Surrey Newton, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam.

"For nearly 20 years, we've provided specialized employment services to help British Columbians return to work," says Brent Mulhall, Back in Motion's director of business development. "We're thrilled that we were selected to implement the new Employment Program in five communities where we have a long history of working with individuals and employers."

In April 2012, the Ministry of Social Development will launch the new Employment Program of British Columbia, making it easier for people to access the services they need to find a job. The program will be delivered through WorkBC Employment Services Centres in communities across the province. The idea is to bring together a wide range of services and programs under one roof, so that people can get the integrated support they need to make a successful transition back to work.

"The Province is looking forward to the official launch of the new Employment Program of BC in April," said Minister of Social Development Stephanie Cadieux. "Back in Motion will be operating WorkBC Employment Services Centres in five Lower Mainland communities, and these centres will provide easy access to supports and services to help unemployed people get back to work quickly."

Following a competitive bid process, Back in Motion and its partners were chosen to deliver the new Employment Program in five communities. "We and our service partners have successfully delivered many of the employment services being replaced by the new program," explains Brent. "We also bring a breadth of experience in supporting individuals who often face additional challenges in finding work, such as new immigrants, youth, Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities, and those with addictions or other barriers to employment."

"Integrating multiple services through a one-stop centre will make it so much easier for job seekers," says Brent. "People will be able to come to the WorkBC Employment Services Centre in their home community, where they can meet with staff who have deep connections to the area and who can help them achieve success."

Back in Motion and its partners are excited to build on the long-term relationships they've developed in the Lower Mainland with employers, community organizations and individuals. "With our strong networks we'll be able to help clients access any additional support they need to find work, achieve their employment goals, and ultimately strengthen the economic vibrancy of each community by developing a stable and engaged workforce."

Back in Motion will deliver the Employment Program of British Columbia in five communities in the Lower Mainland in partnership with the following service providers:

• Richmond - MOSAIC, Pacific Community Resources (PCRS), Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), Richmond Multicultural Community Services (RMCS), Developmental Disabilities Association (DDA), Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services (ACCESS).
• Langley - MOSAIC, WCG International, Mission Community Skills Centre Society (MCSCS), Pacific Community Resources (PCRS), Triangle Community Resources, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Fraser Valley Self Employment, Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services (ACCESS).
• Surrey Newton - WCG International, Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISS of BC), YWCA, Douglas College, Triangle Community Resources, Landell and Associates Consulting Ltd., Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services (ACCESS).
• Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam - Buxton Consulting Ltd., MOSAIC, YWCA, WCG International, SHARE Family & Community Services, Tri-City Transitions, Canadian Mental Health Associations (CMHA), Douglas College, Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services (ACCESS).