OTTAWA, ONTARIO, December 15, 2010 - Today, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Labour Minister, addressed delegations from the Americas at the International Labour Organization's 17th American Regional Meeting in Santiago, Chile. Minister Raitt outlined Canada's responses to the global economic recession and took stock of efforts by regional partners to develop workforces that will succeed in the post-economic recession global economy.
"The global economic recession has affected us all, and while we are starting to see signs of recovery, the economy remains fragile and too many people remain out of work," said Minister Raitt. "Our government is continuing our action to foster a workforce that can respond to the challenges of an increasingly complex global economy. In addition, through our Economic Action Plan, we have delivered direct measures to support those hardest hit by the economic downturn."
To help Canadian workers during the global economic recession, the Government of Canada took action by:
- investing in market training to help young workers find jobs through internships and skills development;
- targeting efforts to help those industries and communities hardest hit by the economic downturn;
- extending access to Employment Insurance benefits for long-tenured workers who may need extra time to retrain;
- extending Work Sharing agreements to help protect Canadian jobs; and
- expanding the Wage Earner Protection Program.
Minister Raitt also took part in a tripartite panel discussion to share lessons learned from the economic recession and to showcase successful measures taken in Canada to strengthen the labour market.
The Labour Program manages Canada's international labour affairs and represents the country in international discussion of matters such as the elimination of forced labour and child labour, workplace health and safety, industrial relations and employment standards. The Labour Program also negotiates and implements labour cooperation agreements with Canada's free trade partners and represents Canadian interests in multilateral organizations dealing with labour issues, including the International Labour Organization.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Michael Beaton
Office of Minister Raitt
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
