PCA welcomes final agreement on job grant between federal government and Ontario

TORONTO, March 28, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) applauded the Government of Ontario and the federal government for the announcement that a final agreement on the Canada Job Grant has been signed between the two parties, along with the new Canada-Ontario Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities and the renewal of the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program.

"PCA congratulates Minister Kenney, Minister Duguid and Minister McMeekin for working so effectively together in the interest of Ontarians to reach a final agreement," said PCA President Paul de Jong. "The implementation of the Canada Job Grant in Ontario will help address skills shortages in key areas vital to our province's economic vitality and will ensure workers get the skills they need to gain meaningful employment."

PCA has supported the Canada Job Grant since it was first announced because our industry sees firsthand the skills shortages across several key trades and sectors. The Canada Job Grant is a big part of a much needed solution.  Today's agreement means that training dollars will go to giving workers the training they need for jobs that employers need to fill.

"This final agreement is good news for Ontario workers. It is also good news for our economy. We look forward to working with Minister Duguid to ensure that the Canada Job Grant is implemented in an equitable manner, accessible to all Ontario employers with minimal administrative burden," concluded Karen Renkema, PCA Senior Manager of Public Affairs.

About the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA)

PCA is the voice of progressive unionized employers in Canada's construction industry. PCA member companies employ more than 30,000 skilled construction workers across Canada, represented primarily by CLAC. Our member companies are responsible for 40 percent of energy and natural resource construction projects in British Columbia and Alberta and are leaders in infrastructure construction across Canada.

PCA's goal is to ensure that Canada has a fair and open construction industry, cooperative labour relations, and a robust, inclusive and highly-capable workforce. PCA believes in open competition in which no sector is given artificial and unfair advantage over another on the basis of union affiliation or lack thereof.

SOURCE: Progressive Contractors Association of Canada

Media inquiries: Karen Renkema, [email protected], [phone]