JASPER, ALBERTA, October 24, 2009—The Government of Canada is creating opportunities for Canadians to get the skills and knowledge they need to participate and succeed in tomorrow’s job market. Mr. Ed Komarnicki, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, delivered a speech today at the Alberta Congress Board’s 10th Annual Workplace Conference.
Mr. Komarnicki, speaking on behalf of Minister Finley, was addressing delegates on the theme of the Conference, “Education and Training – What’s Relevant for Alberta’s Future?”.
“Improving Canada’s competitive position means developing the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. That is why the Government of Canada is making strategic investments in education, skills and training,” said Mr. Komarnicki.
In his speech, Mr. Komarnicki provided an overview of what the Government of Canada is doing to prepare Canadians for the future. Some of the initiatives under Canada’s Economic Action Plan include:
- A $1-billion investment over two years under existing Labour Market Development Agreements with provinces and territories to help respond to the higher demand for labour market programs and training, due to increased unemployment;
- A $500-million investment in a two-year Strategic Training and Transition Fund to support provincial and territorial initiatives that help meet the different training needs of workers in affected communities and sectors in retaining employment or in transitioning to new jobs;
- A $2,000 Apprenticeship Completion Grant that is available to registered apprentices who successfully complete their apprenticeship training and obtain journeyperson certification in a designated Red Seal trade;
- A one-time grant of $15 million to the YMCA and YWCA to create internships for unemployed youth aged 15 to 30 at not-for-profit organizations with a focus on environmental projects;
- Additional funding of $20 million over two years for Canada Summer Jobs;
- An additional $87.5 million over three years to temporarily expand the Canada Graduate Scholarships program;
- Funding of $100 million for the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership program, which will provide Aboriginal people with the skills and training they need to participate in economic opportunities such as northern mining, fisheries, tourism, construction and infrastructure-related initiatives; and
- The establishment of an Aboriginal Skills and Training Strategic Investment Fund of $75 million over two years to strengthen partnerships between Aboriginal organizations and employers, and create more and better opportunities for Aboriginal people.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan is protecting and creating tens of thousands of jobs.
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
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To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.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 Canada
819-994-5559
