Neepawa's council is discussing how they can help a local organization, that's facing funding cuts, and challenging contracts. Mayor Adrian de Groot says they heard a presentation from Westlake Employment Skills and Services, who provide assistance to those looking for work in the region including Neepawa, Minnedosa, and Gladstone. De Groot says the focus of their presentation was on the challenges their facing, with a lack of funding but significant contractual obligations.

"Service Canada withdrew their funding altogether, but are still maintaining a prescene because there's are still clientelle that need to be serviced. They're putting the squeeze on Westlake Employment Skills and Services, saying you need to accomodate us, and that's causing a problem with their operating costs."

De Groot says the organization also falls under provincial contracts, which puts further pressure on their budget. He says it's a vital organization, that provides direct access to services under Service Canada, such as immigration, pension and other aspects. He says the main issue is a shortfall in funding created by the downloading from the federal government, and Westlake Employment Skills and Services is now seeking some assistance from the communities they serve.

"They're looking for some bridge funding to provide the opportunity to do additional work with the province and federal government to see whether funding for the operation can be increased to the point where it's viable, and they can pay the bills."

It's not the first time the agency's reached out to Neepawa's council. De Groot says a similar request came forward during budget deliberations last year, and the request was denied. However, he says they've yet to make a decision on this request. In the meantime, De Groot says they are taking steps to support the organization.

"There's a commitment by myself and Councillor (Isobel) Jarema to sit down with the board and staff of Westlake, and see what we can do to assist with that lobby effort."

De Groot says the organizations contributions go far beyond simply helping those who are unemployed, noting it also serves as a way to get new Canadians using their skill-sets in the community.