News Release Archive
LABOUR--GOVERNMENTS HELP LAID-OFF OLDER WORKERS
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Forty-one Nova Scotians who lost jobs in six major layoffs
could qualify for monthly income support from the Program
for Older Worker Adjustment (POWA).
The announcement was made by Labour Minister Guy Brown and
federal Minister of Human Resources Development Lloyd
Axworthy.
POWA provides income to workers between the ages of 55 and
64 who were part of a major, permanent layoff and are
unlikely to find new jobs. Since it began in 1988, POWA has
assisted over 11,000 Canadians, including approximately 300
in Nova Scotia, at a cost of $427 million.
"POWA is an important support to Nova Scotians who are laid
off just as they approach retirement," said Mr. Brown. "The
program helps people plan and manage during an uncertain
time by relieving some of the financial pressure that
layoffs bring."
Mr. Axworthy said, "We are pleased to work with the
provincial government to help these workers. They
contributed to Canada's economy for many years. Income
support under POWA will help them adjust to a new situation
with dignity."
Eligible workers will receive up to $1,000 a month until age
65. The eligibility of each worker for POWA benefits will be
assessed by a Canada-Nova Scotia committee.
The value of benefits announced today could reach almost
$1.6 million. The federal government and the provincial
government will assume respectively 70 per cent and 30 per
cent of these costs.
The federal government's portion of funding for these
benefits falls within the framework of the February 1995
budget.
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EDITORS NOTE: Here is a list of POWA designated layoffs in
Nova Scotia.
Company Location Employees
Adams and Knickle Ltd. Lunenburg 2
Barrington and Vokey Ltd. Sydney 3
F.W. Woolworth Ltd. (Woolco) Halifax 10
Halifax Hilton Halifax 12
Pronova Bioplymer Canada Ltd. Woods Harbour 10
Sears Canada Inc. Stellarton 4
For a backgrounder on POWA please call 902-424-4492.
Contact: Jennifer MacIsaac, N.S. Department of Labour
902-424-4680
Alec Jasen, Human Resources Development Canada
819-994-2482
Evelyne Germain, Human Resources Development Canada
819-953-6631
trp Jan. 03, 1996
