November 7, 2014 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – Employment and Social Development Canada
In a speech to the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, highlighted how government and industry must work together to ensure Canadians have the skills and training needed for jobs in demand in the Canadian economy. He explained that this is the route to Canada’s future economic opportunities and continued prosperity.
In his address, Minister Kenney said the path to success includes more employer-led training and faster foreign credential recognition for internationally trained professionals, as well as better labour market information. He also pointed to the need to harmonize apprenticeship training across jurisdictions, an area where the Atlantic Provinces are leading the way, and underscored the benefits of the Government’s recent improvements to the immigration system, which include quicker access to highly skilled professionals.
Minister Kenney pointed to programs and policies that the Government has put in place since 2006 that are benefiting Canadians and ensuring employers have access to a highly skilled workforce, which is essential to fill the pending skills gaps left by retiring baby boomers.
Earlier in the day, Minister Kenney also toured the Irving Shipyard in Halifax and spoke with employees and management about the Government of Canada’s support for skills training and training for apprentices, two crucial needs as Irving Shipbuilding prepares to build combat ships in support of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy. The Minister took note of the advancements being made in the working model project involving local Aboriginal communities—a project supported by the Government of Canada with an investment of $6 million under ESDC's Skills and Partnership Fund.
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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