OTTAWA, ONTARIO DECEMBER 17, 2010 - Yesterday, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Labour Minister, concluded her attendance at the International Labour Organization's (ILO) 17th American Regional Meeting in Chile.During the trip, the Minister underlined Canada's commitment to achieving strong and sustained economic growth within the context of a jobs-focused recovery.
"Meetings with my colleagues from the Americas are invaluable because they allow us to address international labour issues of mutual concern," said Minister Raitt. "This meeting enabled us to exchange information, experiences and best practices. We were able to assess our respective progress during this period of financial insecurity and consider how we can best move forward to ensure a strong, jobs-focused recovery in both Canada and the Americas."
The meeting takes place every four years and provides an opportunity for labour Ministers from the Americas to meet and discuss regional labour issues and priorities for ILO activities.
During her visit, Minister Raitt participated in a tripartite panel discussion on lessons learned from the global economic crisis. She also met with her Ministerial counterparts from the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean, as well as representatives from both worker and management perspectives. She also participated in a Ministerial Council Meeting under the Canada-Chile Labour Cooperation Agreement, and renewed the Canada-Argentina Memorandum of Understanding on Labour Cooperation for a further three years.
"Canada has a great deal of expertise to share and I am proud to represent our country abroad and to help other nations build stronger, and more resilient economies," said Minister Raitt. "At home, our government will continue our action for hard-working Canadians by fostering a flexible workforce that can successfully harness the opportunities of tomorrow's economy."
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
l abour c ooperation a greements with Canada's free trade partners and represents Canadian interests in multilateral organizations dealing with labour issues, including the I L O .
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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
