October 2, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – Employment and Social Development Canada
The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, delivered a keynote speech today at the #Can2020 Conference that focused on the solutions the Government is implementing to ensure that all Canadians have the skills and training they need to contribute to Canada’s economic prosperity today and in the years to come.
The solutions Minister Kenney outlined include: the need for more employer-led training, harmonization of skills training, improved labour mobility and labour market information, and speeding up the foreign credential recognition for internationally trained professionals. He also highlighted the benefits of the Government’s recent improvements to the immigration system for quicker access to highly skilled professionals.
Minister Kenney pointed to the programs and policies that the Government has put in place that are benefitting Canadians by ensuring they have the skills for in-demand jobs. Access to a highly skilled workforce is essential to making sure employers will be able to fill the pending skills gaps left by retiring baby boomers.
He also highlighted that, with many free trades agreements in place, and billions of dollars of infrastructure and resource based projects coming on stream, it is more important than ever that provinces and territories, the private sector and post-secondary institutions work together to make certain Canadians are prepared for the opportunities to come.
Alexandra Fortier
Office of Minister Kenney
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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