news release

April 29, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Government of Canada announces funding to help North Etobicoke address its labour market needs

TORONTO, ONTARIO-The Honourable Roy Cullen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North, on behalf of the Honourable Lucienne Robillard, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced funding of $251,184 for the North Etobicoke Revitalization Project (NERP) in North Etobicoke. The Community Microskills Development Centre will receive this funding.

"The Government of Canada supports projects such as this to help address skill shortages and labour market needs," said Mr. Cullen. "This project will not only improve employment opportunities for local residents, but will also strengthen the economic development of the North Etobicoke community."

The Community Microskills Development Centre will facilitate a study to identify labour force growth, industry and employer requirements, and training needs. The Centre will also organize four community workshops that will be delivered to 150 local residents that will review the results of the study, as well as provide information on growth sectors in the area, major employers in the community, and training and employment opportunities in various industries.

The Centre will organize a one-day conference to unite residents, employers, employment service providers, and other stakeholders to discuss ways to connect available jobs with workers in the community, and identify strategies to enhance the employment and economic development in the area. Finally, the Centre will develop and manage a Web portal and e-bulletin to enhance communication and information sharing between employers, NERP members and the general public.

"I would like to commend City of Toronto Councillor Suzan Hall for all her efforts in the creation of the North Etobicoke Revitalization Project, which will benefit the North Etobicoke Community as a whole," added Mr. Cullen.

In addition to the Government of Canada contribution of $251,184, the Community Microskills Development Centre will invest $91,694 in this $342,878 project.

The Government of Canada is supporting this project through the Labour Market Partnerships (LMP) program, a support measure of the Employment Insurance (EI) Act announced on
July 1, 1996. The LMP program encourages, supports and facilitates human resource planning and labour market adjustments that are in the public interest. It provides funding to help employers, employee and/or employer associations and geographic communities to improve their capacity for dealing with human resource requirements, and to implement labour force adjustments by actively involving community partners.

Partners include businesses; organizations; not-for-profit organizations; certain Crown corporations; provincial, territorial, and municipal governments; public health and educational institutions; band and tribal councils; and individuals.

Today's announcement is linked to Canada's Workplace Skills Strategy, aimed at helping Canadians to acquire the skills they need to find and keep meaningful and productive jobs. The Government of Canada recognizes that Canada's future competitiveness depends on a highly skilled work force and on high performance workplaces that focus on skills development. It will work with business, unions, other levels of government, sector councils and workers to ensure that all Canadians have the opportunity to develop their skills and succeed, and employers' needs are met.

Funding for this project was provided for in the 2005 federal Budget.

This project has been reviewed to ensure compliance with the Department's administration of its grant and contribution programs, and is subject to review under the Financial Administration Act.

PROJECT SUMMARY- Government of Canada contribution: $251,184 through the Labour Market Partnerships program- Objective: facilitate a study to identify labour force growth, industry and employer requirements, and training needs in North Etobicoke

For more information:

Betty Crossey
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
(416) 583-4747