Speaking Notes
for
the Honourable Diane Finley
Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development
to
the Team Canada WorldSkills Champions Breakfast
January 25, 2013
Ottawa
Good morning everyone!
I must say that this is a fantastic way to start my day!
It’s not often that I have the opportunity to greet ‘Team Canada’!
So first, congratulations to the 35 champions who have become members of Team Canada for the WorldSkills Competition.
I know you worked extremely hard to achieve this honour. And you have every right to be proud.
Well let me tell you… we are all proud of you!
I can only imagine how excited you are about going on to the WorldSkills Competition in July in Leipzig, Germany.
And you should be! Because quite frankly, I have a feeling that you are about to embark upon one of those “once in a lifetime” opportunities… that I know you will never forget.
Personally, I am a big fan of the Skills/Compétences Canada organization.
This morning, I want to commend the many dedicated individuals at Skills Canada for your commitment to youth…your leadership…and in particular, your efforts to raise the profile of the skilled trades.
The skills competitions that you organize are an excellent opportunity for talented young people to demonstrate just what they can do…and for everyone to learn about careers in technology and the skilled trades.
I think it’s a shame that even today…in a time of growing skills and labour shortages…in a time when employers are desperately looking for skilled workers…that there are many who continue to dissuade young people from a career in the skilled trades.
Perhaps they are not aware of how competitive the wages are, or the career opportunities that are available.
Regardless, the sectors – and jobs – of tomorrow need qualified and skilled people.
Skilled young people like those of you on Team Canada.
Skills shortages are the biggest obstacle to Canada’s economic growth and productivity. And they could get worse.
The paradox is that many young people who want to work are having a hard time finding jobs.
That’s why businesses, educators and governments all need to work together to ensure that young people acquire the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.
Our government is helping.
With our priorities of job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity, we are encouraging apprenticeships and careers in the trades through grants, tax credits and support for training programs.
We are committed to supporting young Canadians like you, so that you can overcome the hurdle that so many have faced: no experience, no job; no job, no experience.
This is why we continue to invest over $300 million per year in the national Youth Employment Strategy. So that young Canadians can develop the skills and gain the experience they need to get jobs now and prepare for the workforce of tomorrow.
That includes programs like Canada Summer Jobs, which puts nearly 36,000 students into jobs every year.
It includes working hard to get more young people into high-demand jobs.
It also includes encouraging young people to apply for apprenticeships grants and enter the skilled trades.
Investing in skills training – and connecting Canadians with the jobs that are available – are part of our Government’s strategy to create the educated, skilled and flexible workforce that is necessary for a strong economy…both now and in the future.
As members of Team Canada, you have already proven your ability to persevere and succeed. You have shown that you have the discipline to master a skill and a determination to excel.
These qualities will take you far in your professional and personal lives.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to wish all of you on Team Canada the very best at the WorldSkills competition in Leipzig, Germany.
You are the future of Canada; that’s why you’re better than the hockey players under the same team name in my books!
We’ll all be cheering you on as you represent your country. And know that your country is very proud of you.
Good luck!
Thank you.
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