Minister Morneau Participates in Student Town Hall in Barrie
News release
February 21, 2019 – Barrie, Ontario – Department of Finance Canada
Canada's economy is strong and growing, with more Canadians finding and creating good, well-paying jobs. Still, more needs to be done to make sure that everyone has a real and fair chance at success—especially the middle class and people working hard to join it.
Today, Finance Minister Bill Morneau participated in a town hall and Facebook Live event at Georgian College in Barrie, where he answered questions from students and community members about the Government's plan to build an economy that works for everyone.
With new technologies driving growth and reshaping the way Canadians work, Minister Morneau acknowledged the need for a skilled, diverse workforce to meet tomorrow's economic challenges—highlighting what the Government is doing to help develop that workforce.
As it prepares for Budget 2019, the Government of Canada remains committed to its plan to invest in people, strengthen and grow the middle class, and build an economy that works for everyone.
Quotes
"Our plan is all about making investments in people—in their ability to find good jobs, support their family and add to their savings. But we know that a changing economy means new challenges, so this town hall is just another opportunity to listen to Canadians, learn more about their concerns, and continue to make decisions that best support their success."
- Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance
Quick facts
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The Government is taking steps to make life more affordable for Canadians, including cutting taxes for the middle class and making post-secondary education more accessible.
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2019 marks the introduction of the new, more generous Canada Workers Benefit, allowing some workers to take home more money while they work.
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The Government enhanced the Youth Employment Strategy to help young people, particularly those facing barriers to employment, make a successful transition into new jobs.
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The Government is also helping students through the Student Work Placement program, which gives post-secondary students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and business programs across Canada paid work experience related to their field of study.
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Over 850,000 more Canadians are employed today than in 2015, and the unemployment rate is near 40-year lows.
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Wage growth for 2018 is on pace to rise at its fastest rate in eight years, and Canada is expected to remain among the fastest-growing economies in the G7 in 2019 and 2020.
Related products
- Investing in Middle Class Jobs: Fall Economic Statement 2018
- Fall Economic Statement speech
- Backgrounder: A Strong and Growing Economy for the Middle Class
- Backgrounder: Confidence in Canada's Economic Future
- Backgrounder: Building a Canadian Investment Advantage with New Targeted Business Tax Measures
- Backgrounder: Continued Progress for the Middle Class
Contacts
Media may contact:
Pierre-Olivier Herbert
Acting Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Finance
pierre-olivier.herbert@canada.ca
613-369-5696
Media Relations
Department of Finance Canada
fin.media-media.fin@canada.ca
613-369-4000
General Enquiries
Phone: 613-369-3710
Facsimile: 613-369-4065
TTY: 613-369-3230
E-mail: fin.financepublic-financepublique.fin@canada.ca
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