Economic Growth: Provinces and Territories

provinces and territories: Thats exactly why Canadas premiers turned their attention to issues critical to job creation and economic growth at the Council of the Federation meeting held this past July. Our discussions make it clear that while each of our provinces and territories face distinct challenges related to regional economics, demographics and geography, we are united on one key goal. We need to continue to create opportunities for our citizens to access the services and training they need to get good jobs. , according to Times Colonist. Theres also a deep concern across the country that the federal proposal which mandates cost-sharing between the federal government, provincial and territorial governments, and employers would exclude small business from access to skills-training funding. The reason is simple: The vast majority of small businesses just dont have the resources to cost-share on training, even though they are the businesses that need it the most. Canadians in every region of our country have incredible economic opportunities just around the corner. But, each opportunity also comes with a challenge making sure there are enough skilled workers to meet labour-market demands and keep the Canadian economy marching ahead. With this goal in mind, we emerged from that meeting united and concerned about the federal governments proposed Canada Job Grant program. If implemented, the terms of the proposed program would effectively remove most of the funding for existing Labour Market Agreement programs and services. This would strip more than $600 million that the provinces and territories harness to connect Canadians with skills including programs supporting the most vulnerable people in our society, who are most in need of basic skills training. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.