OTTAWA, Nov. 5, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, delivered a keynote speech today at the Canadian Electricity Association's Annual Occupational Health and Safety Awards.
Minister Kenney used this opportunity to speak to members of the Canadian Electricity Association about the Government of Canada's ongoing commitment to creating jobs, economic growth and ensuring the long-term prosperity of the Canadian economy. He discussed the Government of Canada's plan to give Canadians the skills they need for in demand jobs, our Skills Agenda, and highlighted the Government's initiatives and investments related to skills training.
The Minister addressed the fact that Canada's electrical infrastructure is undergoing a major overhaul over the next 20 years and recognized that this will require a significant influx of skilled workers. Minister Kenney outlined several Government of Canada initiatives that will support the Canadian electricity industry in its efforts to get the skilled workforce it will need in the years to come.
The Minister emphasized the need for collaboration between all key players, including the provinces and territories, the private sector and post-secondary institutions to ensure that Canadians in all sectors are able to fully benefit from economic opportunities now and in the future.
Quick Facts
- A 2012 Conference Board of Canada Report indicates that investment in electricity infrastructure in Canada will result in an average of 156,000 direct and indirect jobs per year, until 2030.
- According to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, there will be 550,000 unskilled workers who will not be able to find work by 2016 (and this number could be well over a million by 2021). At the same time, it is estimated that there will be 1.5 million skilled job vacancies in 2016 and 2.6 million by 2021.
- For more than 30 years, the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) has tracked and monitored the safety record of its member utilities and recognized their achievements through the annual CEA Occupational Health and Safety Awards.
Quote
"The Government of Canada's top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians. Through measures like the Canada Job Grant, the Canada Apprentice Loan, and apprenticeships grants, the Government of Canada is helping Canadians get well-paying jobs and helping employers get the skilled workforce they need. By ensuring Canadians have the skills employers are looking for, we can fix the paradox of too many Canadians without jobs in an economy of too many jobs without people."
– The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development
Associated Link
SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada
Contacts: 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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