Minister Leitch represents Canada at the Americas regional meeting of the International Labour Organization

LIMA, PERU, Oct. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, in her address at the American Regional meeting of the International Labour Organization (ILO), told delegates about the importance of employment and social protection policies in promoting economic development and helping under-represented groups, such as women, to prepare for, find and keep meaningful employment. 

The Minister highlighted Canada's experience with targeted labour market policies to support under‑represented groups, discussing the importance of inclusive workplaces.

Minister Leitch also took the opportunity to use this international forum to sign and renew Canadian Memoranda of Understanding with Argentina. By fostering ties with our allies in the Americas, Canada is doing its part to ensure job growth at home, to strengthen our trading relationships and to encourage prosperity in all regions.

Quick Facts

• The Labour Program develops, administers and enforces workplace legislation and regulations, such as the Canada Labour Code, that cover industrial relations, health and safety, and employment standards for federally regulated workers and employers.
• Canada was a founding member of the International Labour Organization which was created in 1919.
• The Government of Canada is making the investments to protect Canadians and create new jobs while laying the foundation for future growth. Canada has one of the smallest deficits in the industrialized world and is on track to balance the budget next year.
• Even as other countries have stagnated, or worse, Canada has created nearly 1.1 million jobs and they are overwhelmingly private-sector, full-time, high-paying jobs.

Quote

"This regional meeting of the International Labour Organization provides Canada with the opportunity to work with our partner countries in the Americas to ensure mutual economic prosperity and to enhance international cooperation on labour issues. As we work together to address the employment challenges of the 21st century, we must support and respect workers' rights while promoting business productivity, international trade cooperation and economic growth. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Harper, jobs, the economy and helping families remain the priorities of our government."
– The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

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SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada

Andrew McGrath, Director of Communications, Office of the Hon. Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P., Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, 819-953-5646, [email protected]; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]