Speaking notes
for
the Honourable Diane Finley,
Minister of Human
Resources and Skills Development
for
Youth Employment Strategy announcement
Halifax, Nova Scotia
September 5, 2012
Hi folks!
I’m pleased to be here today with the Greater Halifax Partnership at Nova Scotia Community College.
I know it’s a busy time, with things getting underway for the new term.
Even for those of us who are no longer in school, there’s nothing quite like the beginning of September when students return to school—or start a new program.
Everything is new. Everything is exciting. And there’s a world of possibility for the year ahead.
That’s why it is so fitting to be here today. All of those things come to mind for today’s announcement.
A few months ago, I was in Mexico at the G20 with my international colleagues. I was there to talk about what Canada is doing to help address youth unemployment—and what we are doing to better capitalize on the skills and talents of our young people as we look ahead to significant labour shortages.
The good news is that in comparison to our global counterparts, Canada has much to be proud of when it comes to our efforts in support of youth employment—in fact, we rank second only to Germany in this area.
But there is still work to be done.
Even at the best of times, it’s hard for a young person to break into the job market—to transition from school to work. And the economic downturn didn’t help.
Everyone suffered in the recent downturn, but young people were particularly hard hit.
Their jobless rate rose significantly during the recession, and it’s still almost twice the national average.
But let’s step back for a moment and look at the bigger picture.
Employers across this country are looking for workers.
And as you know, Canada’s population is aging. The Baby Boomers are reaching retirement and we are already seeing labour shortages in some regions and industries.
We’re going to need all the workers we can get.
At the beginning of May, there were more than 258,000 job vacancies across Canada. Many of those jobs could be filled by young people.
So why do we have so many young people unemployed when there are jobs available?
Clearly, we need to help youth develop their skills and match them with jobs more effectively.
We already have a national strategy and programs to address youth employment. Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy and its three programs are working—and working well—for our young people.
But there is more to do.
Today, we are announcing a new initiative under this strategy, to take even further action for our young people.
I am very pleased to announce the launch of a new initiative that will connect young Canadians with the skills and information needed for the jobs that are in high demand.
This will match approximately 3000 young Canadians with jobs in areas where there is a clear need for workers.
Under the existing national Youth Employment Strategy, the new initiative will be dedicated to projects that connect young Canadians with jobs in fields that are in high demand, such as the skilled trades and tourism.
The projects will be selected through two Calls for Proposals—one for the Skills Link program and the other for the Career Focus program. I am here today to launch these Calls and invite organizations to apply.
We are seeking ideas for projects that will help employers fill labour shortages while providing youth with the all‑important, on-the-job experience they need to find a good job and start a career.
I have met with employers from across the country, and skills shortages are top of mind. The results of these consultations coupled with the most recent labour market information helped us determine what occupations are most in demand.
Organizations applying under Career Focus can receive up to $1.5 million per year. The Career Focus projects must connect recent post‑secondary graduates with private sector work experience in high demand occupations and be delivered in a minimum of three different provinces or territories.
Organizations applying under Skills Link can receive up to $2 million per year. The Skills Link projects must provide youth facing barriers to employment with skills development and private sector work experience in high demand occupations.
The Calls will open today and close on October 19. I invite organizations from across Canada to apply. Information and details are available at servicecanada.gc.ca.
Today’s youth are tomorrow’s workforce, so by investing in them we are investing in Canada’s long-term growth, competitiveness and overall prosperity.
In order to help ensure Canada’s continued economic growth and prosperity into the future, we must take action now to address the skills shortages that exist in our country and in particular, better equip our young people to make career decisions that will help ensure their success in the job market.
Finally, I want to say three things to the young people here today – and those listening to this announcement.
One: The Government is here to help ensure that you reach your full potential. We’re doing things differently to better prepare you for the jobs that are out there, where you can eventually find work and establish careers.
Two: For those of you who haven’t found a job or are struggling to make a career: don’t get discouraged. New initiatives like this, and other support from our Government, can help. One resource that comes to mind is our website, youth.gc.ca.
And three: To those of you here today from Nova Scotia Community College, I wish you the best of luck as you start the school year. Your education is a critical foundation for your future, and I am so proud of all of you for pursuing your dreams.
Canada’s future is bright when we invest in our greatest human resource: our young people. Today’s announcement is another example of how we are doing just that.
Thank you.
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