SEARCH NEWS
LABOUR: Governments of Canada and Alberta sign new agreement on training and skills development
      (AlbertaIndex, September 8, Monday) --- The governments of Canada and Alberta have signed a new agreement that will help 5,000 Alberta workers each year to improve their skills, and to prepare them for the jobs of the future.
      Through the agreement, the Federal government said it will invest nearly $316 million in Alberta’s labour market over the next six years.

The funding will help those often under-represented in the labour force, including Aboriginal people, immigrants and persons with disabilities while making available new workers to help solve the province’s worker shortage. It will also help people move from low-skilled work to better jobs in sectors such as construction, manufacturing and health care.

Alberta residents who are not eligible for training under the Employment Insurance (EI) program will have a greater chance to improve their skills.

Diane Ablonczy, Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), on behalf of  Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Monte Solberg, and Hector Goudreau, Minister of Employment and Immigration for Alberta, signed the Labour Market Agreement.

Announcing the agreement that will go some ways to easing Alberta’s skills and labour shortage, Ms Ablonczy said:

“Our government has made an important commitment in our long-term economic plan, Advantage Canada, to create the best-educated, most skilled, and most flexible workforce in the world.”

The agreement complements the work Alberta is undertaking to address its current and future labour market needs, including its 10-year labour force strategy, Building and Educating Tomorrow’s Workforce.

“Helping Albertans develop their skills is critical for the prosperity of both individuals and the province as a whole,” said Goudreau.  “This investment will help ease the skills shortages that limit our growth and affect our ability to compete internationally.”

“Bow Valley College plays a prominent role in educating the labour force for Calgary and Alberta,” says Sharon Carry, Bow Valley College President and CEO. “Our governments’ announcement will allow institutions such as Bow Valley College to expand its commitment to preparing Aboriginal people, immigrants, and persons with disabilities for the next steps in their career path.”


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