Minister Kenney Talks Jobs and Skills Training at the 8th Annual State of the Island Economic Summit on Vancouver Island

NANAIMO, BC, Oct. 30, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, delivered a keynote speech today to the 8^th Annual State of the Island Economic Summit on Vancouver Island. The Summit brought together hundreds of business, government, and community leaders to discuss how to promote a sustainable and diversified economy for all residents of the Vancouver Island economic region.

Minister Kenney's focused on the Government of Canada's ongoing commitment to creating jobs, economic growth, and ensuring the long-term prosperity of the Canadian economy.  He talked about our Skills Agenda, the Government's plan to ensure Canadians have the skills needed for available jobs, and highlighted initiatives and investments related to skills training and improving labour market inclusion for all Canadians, including those in underrepresented groups such as aboriginal peoples, newcomers and youth. He also outlined recent improvements to Canada's immigration system to better align it with the needs of the Canadian economy.                                                                                                       

Minister Kenney emphasized the need for collaboration between all key players, including the provinces and territories, the private sector and post-secondary institutions to ensure that Canadians are able to fully benefit from economic opportunities now and in the future.

Quick Facts

• According to British Columbia's 2022 Labour market Outlook, there will be 147,200 job openings in this region between now and 2022.
• Hundreds of major resource projects, worth $650 billion in investment, are projected to come on stream in Canada in the next decade.
• The region of Vancouver Island and the Coast has the second-largest labour force among British Columbia's seven regions.

Quote

"Our Government's top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity. There are tremendous opportunities on Canada's economic horizon and our Government's Skills Agenda will make sure that Canadians have the skills and training they need to get in-demand jobs."

– The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development

Associated Link
Canada's Economic Action Plan

Follow us on Twitter

SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada

Alexandra Fortier, Office of Minister Kenney, 819-994-2482; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]