CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, May 22, 2009—To help workers hit hardest by the global recession, the Government of Canada is investing more than $13 million in Prince Edward Island’s employment and training programs under an agreement signed today between the federal and provincial governments.The new federal investment will create more job opportunities, through skills development, that will help an estimated 1,300 Prince Edward Island residents get back to work.
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament for Egmont, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Allan V. Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning for Prince Edward Island, signed the agreement today.
“Our government is taking quick action to counter the effects of the economic downturn,” said Minister Shea. “Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, we are supporting Canadians by providing new opportunities for short- and long-term skills upgrading that will help prepare them for the jobs of the future.”
“The Government of Prince Edward Island is pleased to partner with the Government of Canada in an effort to address the challenges facing our economy,” said Minister Campbell. “The flexibility within the skills development initiatives enables us to work with educational institutions and industry to offer tailor-made programs that will benefit the people of Prince Edward Island.”
This new funding is in addition to the almost $59 million provided to the Province of Prince Edward Island over the next two years for employment and training programs under existing agreements.
The Government of Prince Edward Island will use today’s new funding to provide labour market development training for Island businesses and employees. The new agreement will also allow government to work with stakeholders to ensure that industries in Prince Edward Island remain viable, and that businesses are able to take advantage of growth opportunities.
Under the new agreement, the Government of Canada is investing $7 million to help the Province provide employment and training programs to its industries and Employment Insurance-eligible residents.
The balance, $6 million over two years, will support provincial initiatives that help workers, whether or not they are eligible for Employment Insurance. With a focus on low-skilled workers, these initiatives will help people retain their jobs or make the transition to new ones.
Nationally, the federal government has announced $1.5 billion in new investments over the next two years to respond to the economic downturn and provide training and skills development for more than 150,000 workers.
Similar announcements were made today in New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Agreements with Nova Scotia, Quebec and British Columbia are already in place.
As a result, the Government of Canada now has in place amended Labour Market and Labour Market Development Agreements with nine provinces. Agreements with Newfoundland and Labrador as well as the three territories are expected to be concluded shortly.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan is the Government of Canada’s strategy to protect Canadians from the impacts of the global economic downturn and help provide for the country’s long-term growth. Through major targeted initiatives, the Government is investing an unprecedented $8.3 billion to support workers and their families, including measures for income support, skills and training.
To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
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This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
Major Stewart
Communications Officer
Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning
902-620-3508 (office)
902-314-6332 (mobile)
mbstewart@gov.pe.ca
