PCA welcomes Alberta signing of Canada Job Grant agreement in principle
EDMONTON, March 21, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) applauded the Government of Alberta and the federal government for the announcement that Alberta has signed an agreement in principle on the Canada Job Grant.
"PCA congratulates Minister Lukaszuk and Minister Kenney for working together to reach this agreement," said PCA President Paul de Jong. "These ministers have shown leadership that will help workers get the skills they need. Shortages of skilled labour are a growing concern in Alberta and this problem will only get worse as more oil sands projects are developed. Training is the key to tackling skills shortages and ensuring that we have the trained workers needed for continued economic growth and prosperity."
PCA has been a staunch supporter of the Canada Job Grant since it was first announced. Alberta construction businesses have long identified skills shortages and mismatches across several key trades and sectors and a solution was needed. This agreement is a major milestone. It means that training dollars will soon by going to giving workers the training they need for jobs that employers need to fill.
"This agreement is good news for Alberta workers and the economy. We look forward to working with Minister Lukaszuk to ensure that the Canada Job Grant is equally accessible to all Alberta employers with minimal administrative burden," concluded de Jong.
About the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA)
PCA is the voice of progressive unionized employers in Canada's construction industry. PCA member companies employ more than 25,000 skilled construction workers across Canada, represented primarily by CLAC. Our member companies are responsible for 40 percent of energy and natural resource construction projects in Alberta and British Columbia and are leaders in infrastructure construction across Canada.
PCA's goal is to ensure that Canada has a fair and open construction industry, cooperative labour relations, and a robust, inclusive and highly-capable workforce. PCA believes in open competition in which no sector is given artificial and unfair advantage over another on the basis of union affiliation or lack thereof.
SOURCE: Progressive Contractors Association of Canada
Media inquiries: Paul de Jong, [email protected], 403-620-3781
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