Prime Minister Stephen Harper today attended the opening of the 40th WorldSkills International Competition, a major international event promoting vocational education and training worldwide.
"I look forward to watching Canada's top young skilled workers and tradespeople compete with the best and brightest from around the world," said the Prime Minister. "Many of the jobs of the future will be in the skilled trades. These young Canadians are looking ahead and getting ready to seize these opportunities."
The Prime Minister also toured the exhibition hall where the WorldSkills Competition is being held. During the tour, the Prime Minister took part in a skills demonstration with several of the Canadian participants.
"Canada's next generation of skilled workers will play an important role in our country's recovery from the global recession," said the Prime Minister. "That is why our government has made support for the skilled trades a key part of Canada's Economic Action Plan."
The Harper Government recently announced a new Apprenticeship Completion Grant, which will offer $2,000 to eligible apprentices who complete their training and certification in a designated Red Seal trade. This new grant complements the existing Apprenticeship Incentive Grant through which registered apprentices are eligible for a $1,000 grant when they complete their first or second year/level of apprenticeship training in a designated Red Seal trade, to a maximum of $2,000.
The Prime Minister and Canada's premiers have agreed to support amendments to the Agreement on Internal Trade that will help standardize skilled trades requirements among the provinces and territories. The Harper Government has also announced changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, designed measures to attract skilled newcomers to work in smaller urban areas across the country.
WorldSkills Calgary 2009 is being held from September 1st to September 7th. Over 900 participants from around the world will compete in 45 trades and technology skill categories.
