Federal Stimulus Package Benefits Workers, Unemployed

More workers and unemployed people will have access to more skills training and upgrading through improvements to two federal-provincial agreements.

Minister of Labour and Workforce Development Mark Parent and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Minister Diane Finley, signed amendments today, May 1, to add about $50 million to federal funding through the Canada-Nova Scotia Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) and the Canada-Nova Scotia Labour Market Agreement (LMA).

"This additional funding will enhance the province's ability to help unemployed or low-skilled workers across Nova Scotia, while adding flexibility to help people who are at risk of losing their job," said Mr. Parent. "Groups who are under-represented in our workplaces will continue to benefit from Labour Market Agreement funding, as well."

The two agreements, originally signed in 2008, provide more than $500 million in federal transfers to strengthen Nova Scotia's workforce over six years.

"We want to make certain that everyone can participate actively in the training or other employment initiatives that they need during difficult times," said Ms. Finley. "These investments will help workers develop new skills for today's labour market and forge new futures for themselves and their families."

Under the Labour Market Development Agreement, the province will take over current federal responsibilities for skills development and employment programs delivered under the Employment Insurance Act, effective July 1. Under the amended agreements, Nova Scotia will receive $98 million per year for the next two years for programming, up from $81 million per year.

The Labour Market Agreement is designed to help low-skilled workers who lack a high school diploma, workers who are at risk of losing their jobs as a result of the economic downturn, or groups who are under-represented in the workplace. Under the amended agreements, the province will receive $22 million per year for the next two years for programming, up from $14 million per year.

"Funding from these agreements will help drive the province's Building for Growth initiative and the Poverty Reduction Strategy. The monies will be used to further industry sectors where there is strong demand for skilled workers -- such as the aerospace, finance and health-care sectors -- while supporting workers whose jobs are threatened by the economic downturn," said Mr. Parent.

Additional information on the agreements, and examples of LMA programming, are posted on the Labour and Workforce Development website at www.gov.ns.ca/lwd/lmda .