Economic Action Plan 2013: Jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians

The Honourable Diane Finley, MP for Haldimand-Norfolk, Regional Minister for Southwestern Ontario and Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, spoke March 22, at the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, highlighting key Economic Action Plan 2013 measures that will benefit the region and address Canada’s overall skills and labour shortages.

“While our economy continues to grow and create jobs, the challenges confronting us remain significant,” said Minister Finley. “By helping Canadians connect with available jobs and putting a priority on skills and training, we are ensuring continued economic growth, job creation and long-term prosperity.”

Economic Action Plan 2013 announces specific new measures, many of which address skills mismatches and labour shortages. These include:

•                Introducing the new Canada Job Grant, which will transform the way Canadians receive training by placing skills training decisions in the hands of employers and Canadian workers. The new Grant will provide $15,000 or more per person, with a maximum federal contribution of $5,000. It will also encourage greater involvement and engagement of employers in training Canadians for the jobs that are in demand, with the skills and training required.

•                Creating more opportunities for apprentices;

•                Tax breaks for manufacturers who buy new machinery and equipment to stay competitive;

•                An extended ‘hiring credit’ for small businesses that create jobs;

•                A record $70 billion federal investment in infrastructure across Canada, including roads, bridges, subways, rail lines, and ports;

•                Major investments in research and technology;

•                New tax relief for Canadians who give to charity, adopt a child, or rely on homecare services;

•                Elimination of ‘import tax’ tariffs on everyday items Canadian families buy, like baby clothing, sports gear, and exercise equipment;

•                Support to groups that are under-represented in the job market, such as people with disabilities, youth, Aboriginal people and newcomers.

Economic Action Plan 2013 also confirmed the Government’s continued all-time record support for hospitals, schools, and other important health and social services.

“Economic Action Plan 2013 builds on the strong foundation laid in previous years to connect Canadians with available jobs with the new Canada Job Grant, to provide long-term predictable funding for infrastructure, and to make significant investments in manufacturing and critical research. All of these will make a difference in the lives of families in Southwestern Ontario and all of Canada.”

For more information, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.