WINNIPEG – The governments of Canada and Manitoba have signed two agreements totalling $500 million over six years to invest in the province’s workforce.
The new Workforce Development Agreement (WDA) will fund training and services intended to help people facing complex barriers to employment including those receiving Employment and Income Assistance, as well as adults with disabilities and refugees with low language benchmarks and other barriers to workforce integration. The WDA will receive $50 million in funding for the first two years of the program.
The Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) will open 13 Manitoba Jobs and Skills Development Centres to provide a range of labour market services, as well as assist with skills and apprenticeship training and partner with industry on long-term human resource planning and workforce development. The LMDA will get $108 million over the first two years.
“I know that our greatest asset as a country is our people. Through investments like today’s agreements with Manitoba, we’re ensuring our people can continue to be competitive, resilient and responsive as jobs evolve and as our economy grows. When we give people the tools to succeed, our middle class grows stronger and our workers and their families thrive,” federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Patty Hadju said in a statement.
The agreements include a commitment to improving performance measurement, a government release stated, and will increase the jobs and skills training available to Manitobans, including assessments, pre-employment preparation, work experience opportunities, job search assistance, upgrading and certification.
“Manitoba is pleased to renew this partnership with the Government of Canada and continue to develop a skilled and adaptable workforce in line with Manitoba’s labour market needs and priorities. These agreements provide the province the support and flexibility needed to deliver employment and training programs and services that significantly benefit Manitobans and businesses,” said Manitoba Minister of Education and Training Kelvin Goertzen.
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