By Aaron Mahoney (@Mahones93 on Twitter)

New funding agreements announced to give Albertans better access to jobs and training

Jun 27, 2018 | 11:10 AM

EDMONTON – Federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Patty Hajdu and Provincial Minister of Labour Christina Gray announced on Wednesday, June 27, that the governments of Canada and Alberta have signed agreements to provide the province with over $1.7 billion over six years to invest in Albertan workers. 

These agreements represent an increase in funding of nearly $500 million over the period, compared to previous funding levels and this increase means that about 124,000 more Alberta workers will benefit than before. 

In a release, the federal government says by investing directly in Canada’s greatest asset, its resilient, hardworking people, they’re helping to ensure that the economic growth created in the country is the kind of growth that works for everyone.

Minister Hajdu said these agreements will significantly increase the jobs and skills training available to people in Alberta, including apprenticeship training, self-employment training, academic upgrading, English as a second language, and more.   

Through these agreements, the federal government is ensuring more people benefit from programs than before, particularly those from groups typically underrepresented in the workforce like people with disabilities, women, and Indigenous people. 

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The agreements announced today are the new Workforce Development Agreement and the Labour Market Development Agreement. 

In the first two years, Alberta will receive approximately $490 million—more than $182 million through the WDA and nearly $308 million through the LMDA.

The WDA will help Alberta deliver training and services, such as:
–    The Canada-Alberta Job Grant, which allows new and existing employees to increase their knowledge and skills through training jointly funded by employers and government. 
–    Disability-related employment supports, including funding for technologies like specialized computer software, tutors, and worksite modifications such as wheelchair ramps. 
–    Academic upgrading. 
–    English as a Second Language training. 
–    Indigenous skills training programs, including the Aboriginal Training to Employment Program and First Nations Training to Employment Program.

Funding under the LMDA will allow Alberta to help more people and more employers meet their needs, through measures such as:
–    Support for apprentices and jobs in construction – essential for building the infrastructure we need for our economy to thrive. 
–    Transition to Employment Services, such as the Shuttle Program at Higher Landing, which gives unemployed Albertans individualized services in career management and job search skills to help them return to work as soon as possible. 
–    Women Building Futures, which provides exposure and training in non-traditional career options in the construction trades to women.