Government of Canada supports Canadian miners
MONTREAL, Sept. 17 /CNW Telbec/ - Co-hosting the annual federal-provincial-territorial Energy and Mines Ministers' Conference, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced support to the Mining Industry Human Resources Council for mining-related labour market information initiatives.
"Our government is committed to ensuring that Canada has the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce possible," said Minister Paradis, speaking on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. "This funding will help the mining industry proactively manage anticipated changes in its workforce through improved labour market information."
The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of investing in labour market information and in skills training for Canadians. One of the Government's priorities, as stated in the Speech from the Throne in March, is to "make timely information on labour market opportunities available for all Canadians, especially in the area of the skilled trades." This priority responds to an action item at the 2008 Conference to help address labour and skills shortages in the mining and energy sector. As the economy recovers, skills shortages will be a significant challenge in Canada. The Government has several measures in place to address this issue, including support through sector councils, apprenticeship grants and tax credits, the Red Seal Program, and provincial and territorial training programs.
The Government of Canada will be investing $1 million in the Mining Industry Human Resources Council, a sector council that addresses recruitment, retention, and skills development challenges in the mining, minerals and metals sector. Sector councils are national partnership organizations that bring together business, labour and educational stakeholders. Operating at arm's length from the Government of Canada, they are a platform for stakeholders to share ideas, concerns and perspectives about human resources and skills issues, and to find solutions that benefit their sector.
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For more information, please visit Human Resources and Skills Development Canada's website at www.hrsdc.gc.ca. Information on the labour market is available at www.labourmarketinformation.ca.
For further information:
(media only):
Michelle Bakos Press Secretary Office of Minister Finley 819-994-2482 |
Media Relations Office Human Resources and Skills Development Canada 819-994-5559 |
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