CALGARY, ALBERTA, November 9, 2009—Workers and employers in the petroleum sector will benefit from a project supported by the Government of Canada that will help employers attract and retain workers. Mr. Devinder Shory, Member of Parliament for Calgary Northeast, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“The Government of Canada works in partnership with industry to improve workers’ skills,” said Mr. Shory. “Through this project, our government is helping the petroleum industry resolve staffing challenges and create human resources solutions.”
Through the Sector Council Program, the Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada will receive $405,797 for its Increasing the Talent project. Growth in the petroleum industry is expected to exceed available skills and labour. This project will help the industry develop better recruitment and retention strategies and address labour demands effectively.
The Council will use the funding to undertake a feasibility study on how to implement its Increasing the Talent services within the industry. It will also update its Increasing the Talent online toolkit, which is designed to help companies attract, retain and develop a skilled workforce, particularly in areas where it is difficult to recruit employees. In addition, the Council will explore methods to ensure that its products and services, such as workshops, are sustainable. These activities will result in more collaborative partnerships in the petroleum industry.
“Attraction, retention and workforce development are key challenges, especially for small- and medium-sized employers in our industry,” said Ms. Cheryl Knight, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada. “Funding for this project ensures that those employers have the tools and resources they need to develop their workforce, and will assist the Council in providing direct support to their efforts.”
The Sector Council Program is part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. The Government underscored its commitment to this strategy in Canada’s Economic Action Plan, which contains measures to stimulate the economy, create jobs and protect Canadians during the global recession.
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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
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
