Forum of Labour Market Ministers (Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting)

VICTORIA, B.C., September 30, 1999 -- The Forum of Labour Market Ministers (FLMM) agreed today to address key issues facing Canadians in the labour market. The FLMM is co-chaired by the Honourable Jane Stewart, federal Minister of Human Resources Development, and the Honourable Julie Bettney, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Human Resources and Employment. Newfoundland and Labrador is serving a two-year term as the Lead Province for the FLMM, concluding on March 31, 2001.

Ministers discussed ways to equip Canadians with the skills they need to meet the challenges of a changing workplace, created by globalization, technological change and the growing knowledge-based economy. Ministers noted that a skilled workforce is a critical ingredient for future economic prosperity. Labour Market Ministers discussed elements of an agenda to ensure Canadians have the skills they need to compete in a changing economy.

"The best way to improve our economy and labour market is to invest in people," said Minister Stewart. "Our economy is evolving so quickly that we want to ensure Canadians have access to choices and opportunities to improve their skills."

As the FLMM advances its joint work, Labour Market Ministers agreed that they will seek to improve accountability and transparency of federal and provincial/territorial roles and responsibilities. The Government of Quebec will participate within the existing framework of the Canada-Quebec Labour Market Agreement.

One important element of skills development is high quality postsecondary education. Ministers agreed on the vital importance of the Canada Health and Social Transfer for supporting postsecondary education.

Reaffirming their commitment to labour mobility, Ministers agreed that they will intensify their efforts to help ensure that, by July 1, 2001, qualified workers in Canada will have access to employment opportunities anywhere in the country. While the Government of Quebec has not agreed to the deadline of July 1, 2001 to implement Chapter 7 of the Agreement on Internal Trade, nevertheless it expects regulatory bodies under its jurisdiction to achieve compliance on a voluntary basis.

Ministers also agreed that better information on the labour market (e.g., job postings, wages, available training, certification requirements, etc.) is a critical element in helping Canadians acquire the skills needed to plan their careers in the new economy.

"Canadians need coherent, relevant, individualized, accessible and coordinated labour market information," said Minister Julie Bettney. "This initiative will ensure that Canadians will have the best possible information to make the right career and occupational choices".

Ministers (except the Government of Quebec) agreed that they need to find ways to strengthen the federal-provincial-territorial youth partnership on an urgent basis. Ministers accepted the need to develop concrete practical initiatives to address the high level of youth unemployment. Minister Stewart offered to work with provinces and territories to jointly implement $25 million for pilot projects directed to youth at risk of not making a successful transition to the work force.

While the Government of Quebec essentially shares the same concerns about youth unemployment, it considers that active measures aimed at helping young people find jobs should be the object of an agreement modeled on the Canada-Quebec Labour Market Agreement.

Ministers agreed on the need to continue to examine the unintended impacts of recent Employment Insurance changes. Ministers discussed issues and concerns relating to access to active employment measures under the Employment Insurance program, and the administration and funding of labour market development agreements.

Ministers agreed to establish a working group to examine ways to address the specific needs of seasonal workers, including options for pilot project to create employment opporturnities in the off-season.

Ministers also agreed to put in place pilot projects to assist older workers to get back into the labour force. The Government of Canada has committed $30 million over two years to these projects.

Ministers recognized that they have agreed to an ambitious workplan designed to address the labour market challenges facing all Canadians. Ministers agreed that this work will require flexibility and responsiveness to local and regional needs. Ministers want urgent action on this workplan and will meet again to review progress in February 2000.

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For further information contact:

                                               

Brigitte Nolet            Office of Minister Stewart            (819) 953-2353

Wayne Green            Deputy Minister            Human Resources and Employment            Newfoundland and Labrador            (709) 729-3582