ROME, Italy, March 31, 2009— The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, is pleased with the discussions that took place at the G8 Labour and Employment Ministerial Meeting 2009 from March 29 to 31.
"I was glad to have had the opportunity to meet with my G8 counterparts, as well as Ministers from Mexico, China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Egypt. It was a timely opportunity for each of us to discuss our country's labour market challenges and the steps being taken to help workers and families during this unprecedented global economic downturn," said Minister Finley.
In a speech to the assembled ministers, Minister Finley noted that Canada's Economic Action Plan will, with the help of provincial partners, inject $52 billion - roughly 3.2% of Canada's gross domestic product - into the economy in 2009-11. This investment is part of Canada's commitment made at the G-20 Special Leaders' Summit in Washington last November.
"The new money is being invested to keep Canadians working, make our industries more resilient and prepare our economy for the rebound," Minister Finley said.
Canada's Economic Action Plan, announced earlier this year, includes an investment of $8.3 billion in the Canada Skills and Transition Strategy, designed to help workers by opening up new job opportunities through improved skills. Measures in the strategy include:
- Labour market development agreements - additional funding will help the provinces deliver skills training support to workers who qualify for EI benefits.
- Strategic Training and Transition Fund - makes skills and training programs more flexible to support workers with differing needs.
- Targeted Initiative for Older Workers - supports communities in transition by providing new skills training for workers aged 55 to 64.
- Support for Long-Tenured Workers program - extends income support for long-tenured workers who have not made significant use of EI benefits and who are seeking long-term training.
- New Apprenticeship Completion Grant - as part of the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, provides a $2,000 grant for individuals who have completed an apprenticeship.
- Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership program and Aboriginal Skills and Training Strategic Investment Fund - additional funding will provide Aboriginal people with training and skills development to help them get skilled jobs.
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
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For more information on Canada's Skills and Transition Strategy, please go to www.hrsdc.gc.ca.
The speech by the Honourable Diane Finley referenced in the news release is available at www.hrsdc.gc.ca.
For further information (media only):
Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development
819-994-5559
