Progressive Contractors Association of Canada Applauds Alberta Government for Investments in Developing Skilled Workforce

EDMONTON, March 6, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) applauded the Alberta Government for its continued focus on developing the skilled workforce needed for the province's growing economy.

"Today's budget delivers good news for Alberta's students and job seekers," said PCA President Paul de Jong. "The government is maintaining its commitment to encouraging students to pursue careers in the skilled trades and helping employers meet their growing need for skilled tradespeople.  The measures announced today will create opportunities for students and keep our economy on track by helping industry find the workers needed to get the job done."

Today's budget contained several measures directly relevant to PCA member companies and their workers, including:

• A $200m investment into the Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships and other financial support for students pursuing opportunities in the trades;
• An increase in funding for the development, maintenance and delivery of designated trade and occupation programs; and,
• A boost in funding for the Ministry of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour for various initiatives including helping businesses find skilled workers.

The construction companies that make up PCA have been involved in some of Alberta's most important construction projects and play a key role in most major oil sands projects. PCA has repeatedly raised the alarm over the growing skills shortage and its impact on the economy.

"Construction employers across Canada are facing an increasing shortage of skilled workers, so this budget's support for students pursuing opportunities in the trades and its funding for trades-related programs will help Alberta create the workforce needed to continue our positive economic growth," said Mr. de Jong. "We are pleased that the Alberta government has taken these positive steps."

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 25,000 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: Paul de Jong, [email protected], 403-620-3781