News Release
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North Bay July 16, 2015 – Jay Aspin, MP for Nipissing-Timiskaming hosted the Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of Employment and Social Development today to announce investments of $322,000 in local youth through the Canada Summer Jobs program and $43,600 in skills training through the Canada Job Grant.
“Addressing labour shortages is a serious concern for our region,” said MP Jay Aspin. “Insufficient experience / skills and low economic growth are barriers to our workforce as we have people willing to work. Today’s announcements will connect them with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed, particularly our youth as our priority in this region is to continue to combat out-migration.”
Canada Summer Jobs is an important part of the government’s Youth Employment Strategy (YES). With annual funding of more than $300 million, YES helps youth, particularly those facing barriers to employment, to obtain career information, develop employment skills, find jobs and stay employed. Over a dozen local businesses and organizations will benefit, such as: the Temiskaming Art Gallery, the Town of Mattawa, North Bay Habitat for Humanity North, Funding Matters Inc., and many more. The $322,000 investment will support 125 jobs in the riding.
The Canada Job Grant is an innovative, employer-driven approach to help Canadians gain the skills and training they need to fill available jobs. By requiring employers to invest in training costs, the Canada Job Grant will result in skills training that leads to guaranteed jobs. Over 27,000 workers in Ontario are receiving training to fill available jobs thanks to funding provided through the Canada Job Grant.
Cementation Canada in North Bay received $43,600 which, with an additional investment of $21,900 by the company, will go towards training 105 employees in project management, leadership and performance. Cementation Canada is an underground mine contracting and engineering company providing services for clients throughout North and South America, and around the world.
“Cementation has always been committed to the development of our employees, and we have great training and apprenticeship programs,” Roy Slack, President of Cementation Canada. “The timing and streamlined processing of the Canada Job Grant allowed us to continue high-quality training during a slow cycle, which was very important for us. This has provided opportunities for our people and allows us to improve not only our company, but our industry.”
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