October 19, 2004 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONTRÉAL, QUEBEC-The Honourable Eleni Bakopanos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Social Development with special emphasis on Social Economy, and Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic, on behalf of the Honourable Joe Volpe, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced funding of $250,000 to support a project for the Apparel Human Resources Council (AHRC). The Sewing Machine Operator's (SMO) Level 2 to 4 plus "Train the Trainers" project addresses the challenges of the garment production industry by providing tools and support to this sector. This project is being funded under the Government of Canada's Sector Council program. "Most large apparel companies have programs to upgrade or train employees; however having visited numerous business in my riding of Ahuntsic, I know that small- and medium-sized manufacturers do not always have the capacity to do so," said Ms. Bakopanos. "This new funding will not only address these skill shortage issues, but also ensure that the Canadian apparel industry attracts and retains a new generation of skilled workers." Under this project, the AHRC will develop a CD/video to train sewing machine operators. The CD/video will provide small- and medium-sized companies with an affordable and accessible tool to upgrade the skills of their employees using modern methods. It is a follow-up to the Sewing Machine Operator - Level 1 project that was recently successfully completed by the AHRC, and is being well received by the industry. Established in 1997, the AHRC serves the human resources development of the apparel manufacturing industry. Its mandate is to ensure that the Canadian apparel industry attracts and retains a new generation of skilled workers. The AHRC works in partnership with key sector stakeholders, including management, labour, provincial and national industry associations, government departments and educational institutions to attract and retain talent. "This skill upgrading tool and accompanying certification will provide Canadians wishing to work or already working in the apparel sector with a solid understanding of quality garment production," said Sam Gilmore, Co-Chair of the AHRC and V.P. Operations for West Coast Apparel Inc. in Vancouver. "In turn, this knowledge will contribute to their promotion within the industry and to good employment opportunities across the country." 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 the Workplace Skills Strategy. The Strategy will recognize that the workplace is an important venue where both employers and workers respond to the challenges of skills and labour shortages associated with the rapid technological and demographic changes that are transforming the Canadian economy. The Workplace Skills Strategy will build upon and refine current Government programs and activities including the Sector Council program; Apprenticeship program; essential skills and workplace literacy initiatives; and foreign credential recognition. Funding for this project was provided in the March 2004 federal Budget. This project complies with all departmental administrative rules governing grants and contributions, and provisions of the Financial Administration Act, and is subject to review to ensure compliance with the objectives of the program. - 30 - For more information: Media Relations Office Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (819) 994-5559
