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

LONDON, ON, June 26, 2014 /CNW/ - Scott Armstrong, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment and Social Development, today hosted a roundtable on strengthening the Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDAs). This is one 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

• According to various economists, employment in Ontario is on the rise; it is expected to grow by up to 1.9% between 2014 and 2015.
• In April 2014, the Ontario economy experienced its largest employment gain this year. Employment increased by 17,600 jobs in April for a fourth consecutive monthly gain.
• 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 support for 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: Canada's Economic Action Plan

Alexandra Fortier
Office of the Minister
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
[email protected]
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