Minister Kenney talks jobs, skills and the economy at the Canadian Club of Ottawa
OTTAWA, Sept. 23, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, delivered a keynote speech today at the Canadian Club of Ottawa where he highlighted the Government of Canada's ongoing commitment to creating jobs, economic growth and ensuring the long-term prosperity of the Canadian economy.
Minister Kenney noted the importance of maintaining a strong economy and outlined the many economic opportunities for Canadians now and in the years ahead. However, the Minister also stressed that certain challenges need to be addressed in order for all Canadians to fully participate in the labour market.
Minister Kenney emphasized that provinces and territories, the private sector and post-secondary institutions need to work together to ensure the prosperity of the Canadian economy and to help Canadians gain the skills and training they need to find available jobs.
The Minister discussed the Government of Canada's investments related to skills training and improving job opportunities for all Canadians, including those in under represented groups such as youth and Aboriginal people.
Quick Facts
• There are tremendous opportunities for Canadians both today and in the years ahead:
o the Canadian construction sector says it will need 300,000 new workers over the next 10 years;
o the Canadian mining sector says it will need 145,000 new workers over the next 10 years;
o the Canadian petroleum sector says it will need 150,000 new workers by 2022;
o the Canadian supply chain sector says it will need 357,000 new workers by 2020;
o Canada just reached a free trade deal with the European Union that will create almost 80,000 new jobs for Canadians.
• Hundreds of major resource projects, worth $650 billion in investment, are projected to come on stream in Canada in the next decade.
• According to the Conference Board of Canada, Ontario is losing out on as much as $24.3 billion in economic activity and $3.7 billion in provincial tax revenues annually because employers cannot find people with the skills they need in their businesses.
Quote
"Our Government's top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity. Our Government is taking action to fix the paradox of too many Canadians without jobs in an economy of too many jobs without Canadians. Through the Canada Job Grant, Canada Apprenticeship Loan, apprenticeship grants, and many other measures, our Government is ensuring that Canadians have the skills employers are looking for in today's economy."
– The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development
Associated Links
Canada's Economic Action Plan
Jobbank.gc.ca
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
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Alexandra Fortier 9/23/2014 |
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