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

SASKATOON, May 12, 2014 /CNW/ - Scott Armstrong, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment and Social Development, today hosted two roundtables on how to strengthen the Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDAs). This is part of a series of roundtables, 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. Funded through the Employment Insurance (EI) program, the Government of Canada transfers over $2 billion annually to the provinces and territories through the LMDAs 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 on local skills shortages and gaps.

Quick Facts

• Saskatchewan has the lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 3.4 percent, which is below the national rate of 6.9 percent (Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, April 2014).
• Saskatchewan expects to need 35,000 new workers and almost 60,000 replacement workers in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas in the next five years (2013 Saskatchewan Employment Forecast).
• 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]
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