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May 20, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTTAWA, ONTARIO - The Honourable Joe Volpe, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced the Government of Canada will provide $2,833,655 to support projects by the Canadian Council for Human Resources in the Environment Industry (CCHREI). The EnviroCareers and Infrastructure projects are being funded under the Government of Canada's Sector Council Program.
"Innovative workplaces are key to the success of our modern economy," said Minister Volpe. "The ability of workers to adapt and respond to changing skills demands underpins our country's productivity and competitiveness. Today's announcement to support the environment sector council will help us reach that goal."
The CCHREI EnviroCareers project will update its Web-based learning tool aimed at attracting youth to careers in the environment sector, while the Infrastructure project will provide the sector council with stable operating funds allowing it to focus on responding to skills needs, representing the collective interest of industry partners, developing linkages with the educational system, and being results-based. The two CCHREI projects were part of the $37-million Sector Council Program funding announcement made by Minister Volpe on March 16, 2004.
"CCHREI welcomes this investment by the Government of Canada toward the long-term viability of the environment industry. Investments like this are critical in helping ensure that the environment industry has an adequate supply of skilled workers to meet Canada's growing demand for environmental expertise," said Grant Trump, President and CEO of CCHREI.
The Canadian Council for Human Resources in the Environment Industry (CCHREI) is a not-for-profit corporation that helps the Canadian environment sector to implement sound human resources development policies. Since its founding, CCHREI has taken great strides toward developing a national human resources strategy that is focused on the needs of environmental practitioners, employers and educators.
Sector councils bring together business, labour and educational stakeholders in key industries to identify and address common human resources and skills issues, and to find solutions that benefit the particular sector. They are instrumental in making sure that workers already employed and those seeking employment are well prepared for the challenges of the rapidly evolving labour market. There are currently 29 national sector councils covering approximately 40 percent of Canada's labour market.
Today's announcement follows the Prime Minister's commitment to develop a Workplace Skills Strategy (WSS), as outlined in his reply to the 2004 Speech from the Throne. The WSS will recognize that the workplace is an important venue where both employers and workers face the challenges of skills and labour shortages associated with the rapid technological and demographic changes that are transforming the Canadian economy. This strategy will build upon current government programs and activities, including the Sector Council Program.
The Government of Canada has pledged to work with the provinces, sector councils, labour organizations and learning institutions to create the skills and learning architecture that Canada needs to promote and support workplace learning.
Funding for these projects was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.
These projects comply with all departmental administrative rules governing grants and contributions, and provisions of the Financial Administration Act, and are subject to review to ensure compliance with the objectives of the program.
SUMMARY OF PROJECTS
EnviroCareers Project: $333,655
Infrastructure Project: $2,500,000
Total Government of Canada funding: $2,833,655 under the Sector Council Program
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For more information:
Stephanie Lewis
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development
(819) 994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
(819) 994-5559
