March 13, 2009

Cornwall, ON – Workers will soon benefit from better access to the jobs of tomorrow thanks to the Conservative government’s enhanced investment in skills and training programs, said Conservative MP Guy Lauzon during a meeting with Bryan Merkley, Director of Cornwall Career College and Academy of Learning Cornwall  Campus.
 
The Conservative government is enhancing four programs as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan:
 

• Labour Market Development Agreements – These are federal/provincial/territorial agreements which help the provinces and territories deliver skills training support to workers who qualify for EI benefits.
• The Strategic Training and Transition Fund – This fund supports initiatives that help workers get skills training, despite their differing needs. Initiatives are delivered through existing federal-provincial/territorial agreements and provide enhanced flexibility for supporting workers.
• The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers – This initiative supports communities in transition to help workers aged 55 to 64 receive skills training for new jobs. Enhancements will help provide this program to a larger number of affected communities.
• Support for Long-Tenured Workers – This program provides long-term income support for long-tenured workers who have not made significant use of EI benefits and are seeking long-term training. Enhancements will extend the period of available income support allowing workers to train for more complex skills.

“The Conservative government is investing in helping workers to get the skills and training that they need,” said Bryan Merkley. “Each of the enhancements will result in more workers qualifying for and receiving support for skills training, which will equip unemployed workers with the tools they need to succeed going forward.”
 
“Workers in SDSG have been put at risk by the global economic downturn. Canada continues to fare better than many of our international allies, but real action is required to help vulnerable workers prepare for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Lauzon “Our government is taking action to help workers in our community get the skills and training that they need, right away.