Governments of Canada and Nunavut announce agreements to give workers the tools they need to find and keep good jobs

Almost 1,000 more Nunavut workers to benefit

December 3, 2018                        Gatineau, Quebec                        Employment and Social Development Canada

By investing directly in Canada’s greatest asset—its resilient, hardworking people—the Government of Canada is helping to ensure that the economic growth we create is the kind of growth that works for everyone.

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Canada’s Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour and the Honourable Elisapee Sheutiapik, Minister of Family Services for Nunavut, announced that the two governments have signed agreements that will see Canada provide Nunavut with over $34 million over five years to invest in their workers. These new agreements represent an increase in funding of more than $4 million over the period, compared to previous funding levels. This increase means almost 1,000 more Nunavut workers could benefit over the five years and will also increase the jobs and skills training available to people in Nunavut.

Through these agreements, the Government of Canada is ensuring more people benefit from these programs than before—including people from groups typically under‑represented in our workforce, such as persons with disabilities, women and Indigenous Peoples.

As innovation and technology continue to change how we live and work, Nunavummiut and all Canadians are met with new challenges and new opportunities. That is why it is more important than ever before to ensure everybody can benefit from an innovation-driven economy—and that means providing both employed and unemployed people with a chance to learn the skills they will need for the jobs of today as well as the jobs of tomorrow.

The agreements announced today are the new Workforce Development Agreement (WDA) and the Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA). In 2018-19, Nunavut will receive close to $8 million—approximately $4 million through the WDA and nearly $4 million through the LMDA.

Results matter. That is why these agreements include a commitment to performance measurement. That means that Canada and Nunavut will be able to measure how these programs are increasing people’s earnings, helping them get jobs that last, and breaking down barriers for under‑represented groups. The Government of Canada will be reporting to Canadians on the impacts of these programs, so that they are transparent and can be continually improved.

The WDA will help Nunavut deliver training and services, such as:

• pre-employment programs to provide persons with disabilities the skills and supports needed to enter the labour market;
• academic upgrading programs to ensure students in nursing and teaching programs are well-prepared for professional studies; and
• comprehensive support services for individuals seeking employment or training.

Funding under the LMDA will allow Nunavut to help more people and more employers meet their needs, through measures such as:

• on-the-job training leading to on-going employment with local businesses;
• wage subsidies and training supports for apprentices; and
• training to obtain national credentials necessary to work in the marine industry.

Every Canadian deserves a fair and equal chance at success in the workforce. Through smart investments like the territorial agreements announced today, we are helping more people find work and strengthening Nunavut’s communities.