In a move to help Canadian workers hit hardest by the recession, the federal government signed agreements with six provinces on Friday to make significant new investments in employment and training programs.

“Our government is taking quick action to counter the effects of the economic downturn,” said Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. “Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, we are supporting Canadians by providing new opportunities for short- and long-term skills upgrading that will help prepare them for the jobs of the future.”

In Ontario, the government announced that it will invest more than $627 million to help the province provide employment and training programs and assist workers affected by the economic downturn. The funding is in addition to more than $1.4 billion provided to Ontario over the next two years for employment and training programs under existing agreements.

“These investments will help Ontario workers develop new skills for today’s labour market and forge new futures for themselves and their families,” said Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, who joined Finley at the announcement.

“To create tomorrow’s skilled workforce, we need strong partnerships between government, business, labour and educational players,” said John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities for Ontario. “This agreement builds on our work and will help us do more.”

In Prince Edward Island, the government announced a $13 million investment to help an estimated 1,300 residents get back to work. Under similar announcements on Friday, New Brunswick was awarded new investments of $43 million, Manitoba received $34 million, Saskatchewan received $27 million and Alberta’s agreement includes $101 million. Agreements with Nova Scotia, Quebec and British Columbia are already in place.

As a result, the Government of Canada now has in place amended Labour Market and Labour Market Development Agreements with nine provinces. Agreements with Newfoundland and Labrador and the three territories are expected to be concluded shortly.

In total, the agreements with the nine provinces contribute $1.4 billion in new funding. The government estimates that the investment will help at least 144,000 Canadians get back to work.

IE