SEARCH NEWS
LABOUR: Federal government to provide $104 million for training Alberta workers
        (AlbertaIndex, March 31, Monday) --- Alberta will receive $104 million as part of the new $1 billion national Community Development Trust, said Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Premier Ed Stelmach.
        In a joint statement, they added that the Federal government created the trust to help provinces and territories assist communities and workers suffering economic hardship caused by the current volatility in global financial and commodities markets.

The trust, which has a three-year lifespan, will be funded from the projected 2007–08 federal budget surplus.

The Alberta government will draw on the fund to:
    •    Provide training and skills development assistance for workers affected by the recent economic turmoil.
    •    Assist greater Aboriginal participation in the labour force.
    •    Invest to strengthen communities reliant on the agriculture and forestry sectors, and assisting those communities affected by the Mountain Pine beetle.
    •    Invest in research and innovation to develop new and value-added opportunities.
    •    Develop and strengthen targeted infrastructure to foster economic transition.

The Alberta government has agreed to administer the funds that it receives and to comply with Canada’s obligations pursuant to the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Softwood Lumber Agreement and its membership in the World Trade Organization.

“The Community Development Trust was a commitment by Ottawa to help the hard-working families and communities of our country influenced by international economic instability, and I am pleased Alberta is taking advantage of this opportunity,” said Prime Minister Harper.

“The Trust complements a number of federal initiatives designed to ensure a healthy Canadian economy for years to come.”

Premier Stelmach acknowledged the Prime Minister’s leadership in establishing the Trust, noting certain Alberta sectors are not immune to international economic volatility.

He said: “Alberta is fortunate its economy is strong and most sectors are on solid ground. However, industries like forestry and livestock are experiencing some turbulent times. This funding allows us to target those communities affected by changes in the global marketplace.”


Did you enjoy this article? Please share it!
Reddit!Del.icio.us!Google!Netscape!StumbleUpon!Newsvine!Furl!Yahoo!