Minister Kenney addresses the Canadian Club of Calgary on the Government of Canada's Jobs Agenda Français
CALGARY, Dec. 17, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, delivered a keynote speech today at the Canadian Club of Calgary that focused on the Government of Canada's Jobs Agenda, the Government's plan to give Canadians the skills they need for in-demand jobs.
The Minister talked about one of the greatest challenges facing the economy—the paradox of too many Canadians without jobs and too many jobs without workers—and outlined the Government of Canada's priorities, including employer-led training, harmonization of skills training and improved labour mobility, better labour market information and faster foreign credential recognition for internationally trained professionals.
Minister Kenney stressed the importance of enhancing the participation of under-represented groups in the workforce, such as youth and Aboriginal people. He highlighted initiatives and investments related to skills training and improving labour market inclusion for all Canadians, such as the Canada Job Grant, the Youth Employment Strategy, apprenticeship grants and the Government's initiatives for Aboriginal skills training.
The Minister also talked about the tremendous opportunities on the horizon for the Canadian economy and the need for all key players, including the private sector, provinces and territories and post-secondary institutions, to work together to ensure Canadians are prepared for the opportunities to come.
Quick Facts
- The Canadian construction sector says it will need 300,000 new workers over the next 10 years.
- The Canadian mining sector says it will need 145,000 new workers over the next 10 years.
- The Canadian petroleum sector says it will need 150,000 new workers by 2022.
- Canada just reached a free trade deal with the European Union that will create almost 80,000 new jobs for Canadians.
- Hundreds of major resource projects, worth $650 billion in investment, are projected to come on stream in Canada in the next decade.
- The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is estimating that Alberta alone will be faced with a shortfall of 114,000 workers in the next five years.
Quote
"Our Government's top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity. Our Government is taking action to fix the paradox of too many Canadians without jobs in an economy of too many jobs without Canadians by creating more employer-driven initiatives such as the Canada Job Grant, an innovative program that leads to a guaranteed job, and multiple apprenticeship grants. Our Government will continue to ensure that Canadians have the skills employers are looking for in today's economy."
– The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development
Associated Link
SOURCE: Canada's Economic Action Plan
Alexandra Fortier, Office of Minister Kenney, 819-994-2482; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
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