– Canadian Equity Trading Firm Launches Employment Initiative in Ontario –
Toronto, April 12, 2007 – Swift Trade Inc., one of Canada’s leading equity trading companies, will announce the launch of an employment initiative designed to help Canadians with a disability embark on an exciting career. The effort is based on a similar and highly successful program started by Swift Trade Inc. in British Columbia in 2006.
To help launch the employment initiative in Ontario, Swift Trade has selected the Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario (CPA Ontario) as the recipient of a $50,000.00 donation for its leadership role in providing results-oriented programs to secure meaningful employment for individuals with a disability. Swift Trade’s initiative comes as the CPA Ontario celebrates the 25th anniversary of the establishment of its Employment Services program, and the 10th anniversary of the opening of its first employment centre.
“We are extremely excited to be launching this program in Ontario,” said Peter Beck, President of Swift Trade Inc. “Our British Columbia program has been quite successful and has attracted a lot of interest, clearly indicating that this is an untapped and highly-skilled segment of the job-seeking population. We’re especially proud to offer Canadians with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities a career in which they can utilize their skills and achieve their full potential.”
“Partnering with Swift Trade helps us open even more doors for individuals with a disability to achieve independence and self-reliance in the community,” said Bill Adair, Executive Director, CPA Ontario. “We thank them for their leadership and vision, and for their financial commitment, which will ultimately benefit our clients.”
Recent statistics show that 64 per cent of people with a spinal cord injury were employed before their injury, while only 10 per cent remained employed six months after leaving hospital.
Brian Dennis, 55, joined Swift Trade in 2006. After a car accident that left him with paraplegia, he spent nine months at a rehabilitation centre. It was CPA Ontario that introduced him to Swift Trade.
“This job gives me a lot of flexibility,” said Dennis. “Applying for positions at some other companies I found their focus was on my wheelchair, not on the skills I could bring to the company. I feel that Swift Trade wants me because of my experience, skills and knowledge, and they are helping me to succeed.”
For more information contact:
Brown & Cohen Communications & Public Affairs Inc. 416-484-1132
Natasha Bolotina ext. 5 natasha@brown-cohen.com or Charlene Lunau ext. 4 charlene@brown-cohen.com
CPA Ontario: Bev Jenkins 416-422-5644 x212; bev.jenkins@cpaont.org
