DARTMOUTH, NOVA SCOTIA, May 4, 2009—The Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia have signed an agreement that will provide $50 million in new federal funding for employment and training initiatives to support Nova Scotians, regardless of whether they qualify for Employment Insurance.
The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, along with the Honourable Mark Parent, Minister of Labour and Workforce Development for Nova Scotia, signed the agreement on Friday May 1st, on behalf of their governments.
The new funding of $50 million is in addition to $191 million already invested by the Government of Canada in employment and training programming in Nova Scotia over the next two years.
“The Government of Canada wants to make certain that everyone can participate actively in the training or other employment initiatives that they need during difficult times,” said Minister Finley. “These investments will help workers in Nova Scotia develop new skills for today’s labour market and forge new futures for themselves and their families.”
“This agreement recognizes that one of the best measures any government can take to protect the country and its workers is to invest in training and enable workers to take advantage of job opportunities,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “Our goal is to provide easier access to training tailored to the needs of the Nova Scotia market, which will allow workers in Nova Scotia to get better jobs.”
As part of the $50 million, the Government of Canada is investing an additional $34 million in the Canada-Nova Scotia Labour Market Development Agreement, which will help the Province provide training and employment programs to its Employment Insurance-eligible residents, and industries.
The balance, $16 million, comes from the Strategic Training and Transition Fund that was introduced in Canada’s Economic Action Plan in January. Administered through the Canada-Nova Scotia Labour Market Agreement, this investment will support provincial initiatives that help workers, whether or not they are eligible for Employment Insurance, in communities and sectors affected by the economic downturn. With a focus on low-skilled workers, programs under this fund help workers retain their jobs or make the transition to new ones.
“This additional funding will enhance the Province’s ability to help unemployed or low‑skilled workers across Nova Scotia, while adding flexibility to help people who are at risk of losing their job,” said Minister Parent. “Groups who are under‑represented in our workplaces will continue to benefit from Labour Market Agreement funding as well.”
Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada is supporting Canadians during the global recession and providing for the country’s long-term growth. The Government is investing an unprecedented $8.3 billion in the Canada Skills and Transition Strategy to support workers and their families, including measures for income support and skills and training.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Kevin Finch
Communications Advisor
Nova Scotia Labour and Workforce Development
902-424-0847
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
To support Canadians during the global recession and provide for the country’s long-term growth, the Government is investing $8.3 billion in the Canada Skills and Transition Strategy. Measures include:
- An additional investment of $1 billion over two years under existing Labour Market Development Agreements with provinces and territories that will help respond to the higher demand for labour market programs and training due to increased unemployment. This additional investment would respond to the demand for skills training, as well as the changing needs of Employment Insurance clients.
- Investing $500 million in a two-year Strategic Training and Transition Fund to support the needs of individuals, whether or not they qualify for Employment Insurance. This fund will support provincial and territorial initiatives that help meet the different training needs of workers in affected communities and sectors in retaining employment or transitioning to new jobs. The Fund will be administered through existing Labour Market Agreements but will provide provinces and territories with more flexibility to implement measures tailored to meet their specific needs.
These investments announced today provide an additional $50 million over the next two years in employment and training programming to help Nova Scotians weather the economic downturn, and are in addition to $191 million already invested by the Government of Canada over the next two years to help Nova Scotians improve their skills and get better jobs.
