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November 24, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
05-96
OTTAWA , ONTARIO — Belinda Stronach, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister responsible for Democratic Renewal, today announced that the Government of Canada will provide over $140,000 through the Sector Council Program, to support the development of Canada ’s skilled work force in the mining sector.
“I nvesting in people to promote a highly productive economy and to ensure that Canadians have every opportunity to succeed is our government’s priority,” said Minister Stronach. “Today’s funding will help ensure the long-term success of our mining industry.”
The Mining Industry Human Resource Council (MiHR) will receive this funding. The MiHR works with industry stakeholders—including mining companies, labour unions, educational institutions, governments, Aboriginal groups and others—to develop products and services that help develop and maintain a highly skilled minerals and metals industry work force.
“The Canadian minerals and metals industry will need to hire up to 81,000 people over the next 10 years. Events such as Mining in Society help inform the Canadian public—specifically parents, teachers and youth—about the wide range of high-paying and rewarding opportunities that exist within the mining sector,” said Paul Hébert, Executive Director of MiHR.
“Working in close collaboration with the Canadian Institute of Mines, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) and with financial support from the Government of Canada, the MiHR will hold Mining in Society in Vancouver from May 14 to 17,” said Mr. Hébert. “This event, which will include a job fair, will help the public learn about the modern mining industry’s contributions to our day-to-day lives and our economy, and provide young people with the resources they need to make informed career choices. This is one of several MiHR initiatives aimed at ensuring that the industry will have access to the right people, with the right skills, at the right time.”
Sector councils successfully meet emerging skills requirements by addressing skills and labour shortages, and building essential skills in the workplace as a foundation for continuous learning. These organizations 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 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 31 sector councils representing traditional industries (such as mining and textiles) and emerging industries (such as biotechnology and the environment). The sector council network now covers approximately 48 percent of the labour market. The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening and expanding the network of sector councils so that more Canadian workers benefit from them.
Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2005 federal Budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
The projects have been reviewed to ensure their compliance with the Department’s administration of its grant and contribution programs, and they are subject to review under the Financial Administration Act.
For details, see the backgrounder below.
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For more information (media only):
Normand Bergeron
Special Advisor, Communications
Office of Minister Belinda Stronach
(819) 994-2482
BACKGROUNDER
Sector Council
Description of Project
Funding
Mining Industry Human Resource Council (MiHR)
Careers in Mining: Mining in Society ―Through this project, the MiHR will plan and publicize an event that promotes the mining industry and mining careers to youth, parents, teachers, guidance counsellors and the general public. The event will focus on human resources challenges, such as recruiting, retention, education, training and career awareness.
$140,305
