CANADA’S ECONOMIC ACTION PLAN
Prime Minister STEPHEN Harper Highlights budget Initiatives That support and assist Canadian workers
LONDON, ON – Canadian workers who have been affected by the current global economic crisis will receive support and assistance through initiatives contained in Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
“There is no question that the global recession is taking its toll on many Canadian workers and communities,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper. “That’s why this Government is investing in several measures to assist these workers and their families. It is up to all of us to help those who have lost their jobs as a result of this economic crisis. Doing so will help to ensure that Canada and its workforce emerge from these difficult times stronger than ever before.”
The Prime Minister drew attention to four Action Plan initiatives designed to help workers and to open up new job opportunities through improved skills:
· Labour Market Development Agreements – additional funding will help the provinces deliver skills training support to workers who qualify for EI benefits.
· The Strategic Training and Transition Fund – makes skills and training programs more flexible to support workers with differing needs.
· The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers – supports communities in transition by providing new skills training for workers aged 55 to 64.
· Support for Long-Tenured Workers – extends income support for long-tenured workers who have not made significant use of EI benefits and who are seeking long-term training.
“Canadians who are looking to open up new job opportunities by upgrading their skills deserve every opportunity to succeed,” said the Prime Minister, who was joined by Human Resources and Skills Development Minister Diane Finley in highlighting the budget measures. “Investing in training is one of the best measures any government can take, not only to protect our country and its workers today, but also to ensure that Canadians can take full advantage of the jobs of tomorrow.”
Backgrounder
SUPPORTING SKILLS AND TRAINING FOR CANADIAN WORKERS
Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides focused economic stimulus to help Canadian families and businesses deal with the challenges caused by the global recession. One major component of this Action Plan involves helping Canadian workers upgrade their skills and training in order to take advantage of the jobs of the future.
The following are four of the skills training initiatives that are part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan:
Strategic Training and Transition Fund
The Government of Canada will invest $500 million in a two-year Strategic Training and Transition Fund as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Up to 50,000 individuals are expected to benefit. This fund will support provincial and territorial initiatives that help meet the different training needs of workers, whether or not they are eligible for EI. The Fund will help affected Canadians to actively participate in training or other employment initiatives that they need during difficult times.
The Fund will be distributed to provinces and territories through their existing Labour Market Agreements in order to ensure speedy and responsive action, as well as to ensure accountability and transparency for results. In recognition of different circumstances across jurisdictions, this approach gives provinces and territories flexibility to support transitions, create opportunities for employment, enable community self-reliance and provide support for skills upgrading and training, including employer-based training.
Labour Market Development Agreements
As announced in Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government intends to provide an additional temporary investment of $1 billion over two years through existing Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDAs) with provinces and territories. This will allow an extra 100,000 EI eligible clients to be trained. This will help respond to the higher demand for labour market programs and training, due to increased unemployment. This additional investment will respond to the demand for skills training, as well as the adjustment needs coming from EI clients. Under LMDAs, provinces and territories design and deliver the employment benefits and support measures to address their local needs.
