Canada to boost workforce development via new investment

Goal is to produce sectoral labour market intelligence.

Through the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Programme (SWSP), Canada's government is investing as much as $69.5m (CA$94.5m) over five years to strengthen the country's workforce development.

Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu, who is also responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, stated: "Building a strong economy means understanding existing gaps and barriers and helping our workforce access meaningful opportunities.

"Canadian workers are the backbone of our economy, driving success in every corner of our country. By investing in key sectors and resources, we are equipping industries and workers with the tools they need to succeed today, and the confidence to lead tomorrow."

The goal of the SWSP is to produce foundational labour market information across key sectors, including reports on job vacancies and industry-specific growth opportunities.    

"Providing sectoral labour market intelligence is a key element of any economic development strategy," said BioTalent Canada President and CEO Rob Henderson. "It forms the foundation of workforce and skills developments and provides young people, employers, and job seekers with the information to pursue meaningful careers and prosperity for all Canadians.

"We applaud the government's announcement to invest in this important cornerstone of its domestic economic strategy."

The key sectors to be looked at include construction, trucking, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, tourism, forestry, agriculture, mining, energy, information and communications technology, as well as the environment and the bio-economy.