Governments of Canada and Nunavut announce agreements to give workers the tools they need to find and keep good jobs
Press Release
From: Employment and Social Development Canada
Almost 1,000 more Nunavut workers to benefit
December 3, 2018 Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada
By investing directly in Canada’s greatest asset—its resilient, hardworking people—the Government of Canada is helping to ensure that the economic growth we create is the kind of growth that works for everyone.
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Canada’s Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour and the Honourable Elisapee Sheutiapik, Minister of Family Services for Nunavut, announced that the two governments have signed agreements that will see Canada provide Nunavut with over $34 million over five years to invest in their workers. These new agreements represent an increase in funding of more than $4 million over the period, compared to previous funding levels. This increase means almost 1,000 more Nunavut workers could benefit over the five years and will also increase the jobs and skills training available to people in Nunavut.
Through these agreements, the Government of Canada is ensuring more people benefit from these programs than before—including people from groups typically under‑represented in our workforce, such as persons with disabilities, women and Indigenous Peoples.
As innovation and technology continue to change how we live and work, Nunavummiut and all Canadians are met with new challenges and new opportunities. That is why it is more important than ever before to ensure everybody can benefit from an innovation-driven economy—and that means providing both employed and unemployed people with a chance to learn the skills they will need for the jobs of today as well as the jobs of tomorrow.
The agreements announced today are the new Workforce Development Agreement (WDA) and the Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA). In 2018-19, Nunavut will receive close to $8 million—approximately $4 million through the WDA and nearly $4 million through the LMDA.
Results matter. That is why these agreements include a commitment to performance measurement. That means that Canada and Nunavut will be able to measure how these programs are increasing people’s earnings, helping them get jobs that last, and breaking down barriers for under‑represented groups. The Government of Canada will be reporting to Canadians on the impacts of these programs, so that they are transparent and can be continually improved.
The WDA will help Nunavut deliver training and services, such as:
- pre-employment programs to provide persons with disabilities the skills and supports needed to enter the labour market;
- academic upgrading programs to ensure students in nursing and teaching programs are well-prepared for professional studies; and
- comprehensive support services for individuals seeking employment or training.
Funding under the LMDA will allow Nunavut to help more people and more employers meet their needs, through measures such as:
- on-the-job training leading to on-going employment with local businesses;
- wage subsidies and training supports for apprentices; and
- training to obtain national credentials necessary to work in the marine industry.
Every Canadian deserves a fair and equal chance at success in the workforce. Through smart investments like the territorial agreements announced today, we are helping more people find work and strengthening Nunavut’s communities.
Quotes
“I know that our greatest asset as a country is our people. Through investments like today’s agreements with Nunavut, we’re ensuring people can continue to be competitive, resilient and responsive as jobs evolve and as our economy grows. By giving more people the tools to succeed, we are helping to ensure that Nunavut’s communities are stronger today and in the future.”
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
“Nunavut’s economy is evolving and this partnership with the Government of Canada enables the Government of Nunavut to provide the unique programs and supports Nunavummiut need to prepare for and succeed in a dynamic labour market. We look forward to continuing to work with the Government of Canada to meet Nunavut’s distinctive labour market needs.”
– The Honourable Elisapee Sheutiapik, Minister of Family Services for Nunavut
Quick facts
- Until recently, the Government of Canada transferred nearly $3 billion annually to provinces and territories to support employment and skills training programs. Through Budget 2017, the Government is investing an additional $2.7 billion from 2017–18 to 2022–23.
- $900 million over a period of six years in new WDAs to consolidate funding from the current Canada Job Fund Agreements and the Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities; and
- $1.8 billion over six years in amended LMDAs to provinces and territories.
- In total, from 2017–18 to 2022–23, the Government will invest approximately $20 billion in WDAs and LMDAs with provinces and territories.
- Through these agreements, provincial and territorial governments will have greater flexibility in the design and delivery of programming and services to respond to the diverse and emerging needs of Canadians.
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Contacts
For media enquiries, please contact:
Véronique Simard
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
veronique.simard@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
819-654-5611
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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Tracy Wood
Policy Analyst
Department of Family Services
Government of Nunavut
TWood@GOV.NU.CA
867-975-5207
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