Government of Canada consults with stakeholders in Fredericton to help shape new Labour Market Development Agreements

FREDERICTON, June 25, 2014 /CNW/ - Scott Armstrong, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment and Social Development, yesterday hosted a roundtable on strengthening the Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDAs). He was joined by the Honourable Jody Carr, New Brunswick Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. This is part of a series of roundtables being held in cooperation with provincial and territorial governments across Canada.

As part of its plan for creating jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity, the Government of Canada is committed to transforming LMDAs to reorient training toward labour market demand. It is expected that the new LMDAs will better connect Canadians with available jobs by ensuring they have access to training for the skills employers need. The Government of Canada transfers over $2 billion annually to the provinces and territories through the LMDAs, which are funded through the Employment Insurance (EI) program, to provide skills training to EI clients and employment services to all unemployed Canadians.

The roundtables give governments, employers, and other stakeholders an opportunity to discuss how to make the LMDAs more employer-driven and responsive to the needs of the labour market. The roundtables also give the Government of Canada valuable insight into local skills shortages and gaps.  

Quick Facts

• New Brunswick's information and communications technology industry directly employs approximately 8,000 people, according to the Government of New Brunswick, and continues to be a major contributor to the province's economy.
• According to the Government of New Brunswick, in 2013-14 job growth in New Brunswick shifted from the service sector to the goods-producing sector, with gains in construction, agriculture and natural resources. Job gains in 2014-15 are expected be supported by increased activity in the forestry and trade sectors.
• As the single largest labour market transfer to provinces and territories, LMDAs help over 600,000 Canadians every year.
• Economic Action Plan 2014 proposes several measures to create jobs and opportunities, such as the Canada Job Grant, the Canada Apprentice Loan, and supporting under-represented groups, including youth and older workers.

Quote

"Through Economic Action Plan 2014, our government continues to create jobs and pave the way for long-term prosperity by putting skills training at the forefront. The new generation of Labour Market Development Agreements will result in greater employer involvement in training to ensure that Canadians are equipped with the skills employers need now and in the future."
—Scott Armstrong, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment and Social Development

Associated Links

• Labour Market Development Agreements
• Canada Job Grant

SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada

Alexandra Fortier, Office of the Minister, 819-994-2482; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]; Follow us on Twitter