Toronto, Ontario, November 8, 2007— Mike Wallace, Member of Parliament for Burlington, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced over $2,000,000 in federal funding for the Canadian printing and graphics industry at Graphics Canada, the largest printing show in the country.
"The Government of Canada is making investments to ensure that Canada has the best-educated, most-skilled and most-flexible workforce in the world," said Mr. Wallace. "Today's announced contribution of over $2,000,000 in funding will help us meet that goal and ensure Canada continues to have a competitive and highly skilled printing industry, now and in the future."
The Canadian Printing Industries Sector Council (CPISC) will receive the funding through the Government of Canada's Sector Council Program . The funding will be put towards four projects considered critical to the future of the printing industry as well as two-year infrastructure funding for CPISC.
"The printing industries face a number of unique challenges that will be addressed by CPISC's work," said Jeff Ekstein, Co-Chair of the Canadian Printing Industries Sector Council. "The stability provided by this announcement will enable CPISC to continue its work by bringing together employees and employers as well as other concerned partners to develop solutions to our pressing human resource issues."
In addition to core infrastructure funding, federal funding has been provided for four CPISC projects that will form the base from which to revitalize the industry. CPISC will establish national skill standards and occupational profiles; establish a databank of labour market information to improve human resource decisions; and, develop a skills and technology roadmap for the printing and graphic communications sector.
Sector councils play a vital role in helping to strengthen the labour market, thereby contributing to the productivity and competitiveness of the economy and the standard of living of all Canadians. They bring together governments, business, labour and educational stakeholders in key sectors to share ideas, concerns and perspectives about work force issues. Canada's sector councils have been successful at meeting emerging skills requirements, addressing skills and labour shortages, and building essential skills in the workplace as a foundation for continuous learning.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
(819) 994-5559
Marie Eveline
Executive Director
Canadian Printing Industries Sector Council
(613) 688-0293, ext. 2
