May 2, 2015– Brandon, Manitoba– Employment and Social Development Canada
The Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of Employment and Social Development, today delivered a keynote speech to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce in Brandon, Manitoba, following the tabling of Economic Action Plan 2015 on April 21, 2015. He highlighted a balanced budget, family tax cuts and benefits, the expansion of eligibility for the Canada Student Grants program and many more new measures to help build a stronger Canada.
Economic Action Plan 2015 announced specific new measures for Employment and Social Development Canada, which include:
- supporting hard-working families through the new Family Tax Cuts and Benefits Plan, which includes the Family Tax Cut, and enhancements to the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB), the Child Care Expenses Deduction and the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit;
- reaffirming the Government’s commitment to reduce Employment Insurance premiums, to extend Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits from six weeks to six months and to extend the current Employment Insurance Working While on Claim pilot project to August 2016;
- making post-secondary education more accessible to all Canadians and expanding eligibility for Canada Student Grants for students from low- and middle-income families enrolled in short-duration educational programs;
- promoting the adoption of the Blue Seal Certification program across Canada to encourage journeypersons in skilled trades to improve their business skills after they have achieved their journeyperson status; and
- making permanent the Foreign Credential Recognition Loans pilot project to support internationally trained workers in their pursuit of foreign credential recognition.
“We are pleased to announce that we have balanced the federal budget, and now we want to help businesses and families balance their budgets as well. We will continue to do so by keeping taxes low, investing in job training and helping Canadian families prosper.”
– The Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of Employment and Social Development
“Manitoba businesses are facing serious employment challenges, including finding and retaining talented people. It added great value to our Annual General Meeting to have our local Chambers and corporate members share their concerns with the federal Minister and hear his thoughts on the issues facing business.”
– Chuck Davidson, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce President and CEO
Aaron Bell
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Employment and Social Development
819-994-2482
aaron.bell@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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