REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN, May 22, 2009—To help workers hit hardest by the global recession, the Government of Canada is investing more than $27 million in Saskatchewan’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 2,700 Saskatchewan residents get back to work.
Mr. Andrew Scheer, Member of Parliament for Regina–Qu’Appelle, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Lyle Stewart, Minister of Enterprise and Innovation for Saskatchewan, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Norris, Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour for Saskatchewan, announced the signing of the agreement today.
“Our government is taking quick action to counter the effects of the economic downturn,” said Mr. Scheer. “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.”
“This agreement provides a key platform for the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan to help improve training and employment outcomes for people in Saskatchewan,” said Minister Norris. “By working to develop talent within our borders, we are also helping people weather the global economic storm and preparing them for new opportunities in Saskatchewan’s economy.”
This new funding is in addition to the more than $106 million provided to the Province of Saskatchewan over the next two years for employment and training programs under existing agreements.
The Government of Saskatchewan will use today’s new funding to provide additional employment and training opportunities to assist its workers and industries, with a focus on low-skilled individuals, those in communities or sectors affected by the economic downturn, and Saskatchewan’s First Nations and Métis populations.
Under the new agreement, the Government of Canada is investing $18 million to help the Province provide employment and training programs to its industries and Employment Insurance-eligible residents.
The balance, $9 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 Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba 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
Chris Jones-Bonk
Saskatchewan Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
306-798-3106
