Government of Canada announces investments to help workers in seasonal industries in Prince Edward Island Français
GATINEAU, QC, April 27, 2018 /CNW/ - All Canadians deserve the opportunity to participate and thrive in an innovation-driven economy. That is why the Government of Canada is helping workers in Canada's seasonal industries have access to skills training and employment supports when they need them most.
Today, Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, together with Prince Edward Island's Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning, the Honourable Sonny Gallant, announced total funding of $1.1 million to the Government of Prince Edward Island for a project to provide targeted short-term support to seasonal workers.
Funding for this project is part of the Budget 2018 commitment to support affected workers in seasonal employment who have exhausted their Employment Insurance benefits, but continue to wait to be called back in for their seasonal job. Employment and Social Development Canada is reallocating $10 million from existing departmental resources in 2018–19 to provide income support and training to seasonal workers. In addition, Budget 2018 proposes to provide $80 million in 2018–19 and $150 million in 2019–20 to assist seasonal workers.
Expected to benefit hundreds of workers, the project will allow the Government of Prince Edward Island to provide essential skills training and paid work experience to meet the needs of seasonal workers, increase their expertise and enable their return to work.
The Government of Canada recognizes the key role of seasonal workers across the country. In Prince Edward Island, those who work in agriculture, fisheries and tourism provide important contributions to the economy and well-being of Canadians.
In the coming months, the Government of Canada will continue to work with the Government of Prince Edward Island and other key provinces to ensure that workers in seasonal industries have access to skills training and employment supports when they need them most.
The PEI Seasonal Worker Skills Initiative will be delivered through Workplace Learning PEI. Islanders interested in accessing the project or wanting more information can visit https://www.workplacelearningpei.com or call 902‑368‑6280.
Quotes
"Our government recognizes the concerns of seasonal workers and the real challenges some face in the off‑season from the loss in income, especially due to the decline in unemployment rates and the resulting decrease in entitlement for Employment Insurance benefits. We are pleased to fund this pilot project for Prince Edward Island's seasonal workers to ensure families make ends meet until the new work season begins."
– Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown
"While we are pleased to see lower unemployment numbers in areas of Prince Edward Island, the gap in the EI benefit period is still difficult for many families. The PEI Seasonal Worker Skills Initiative will provide immediate income support and training for these Islanders. This is a short-term solution that will help some Island workers while we work with the federal government to develop a long-term solution."
– The Honourable Sonny Gallant, Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning, Government of Prince Edward Island
Associated Links
Employment Insurance benefits
Labour Market Development Agreement
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
For media enquiries, please contact: Émilie Gauduchon-Campbell, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P., Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, 819-654-5546; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
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