Iqaluit, Nunavut – Employment and Social Development Canada

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, today concluded his five-day tour of the territories with a visit to Iqaluit accompanied by the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Minister for the Arctic Council and Member of Parliament for Nunavut.

In Iqaluit, Minister Kenney learned first-hand about the territories’ strong economy, met with employers and training institutions to learn more about challenges like skills development, highlighted measures in Economic Action Plan 2014 that benefit the North, met with Aboriginal community and government leaders, and discussed recently announced changes to Employment Insurance for northerners.

During his visit to Nunavut Arctic College, Minister Kenney discussed how governments and employers can work together to create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in the North. For example, the new Meliadine gold mine and the Mary River Iron Ore development will enhance opportunities for business and will help boost the economy for years to come.

Minister Kenney also highlighted measures in Economic Action Plan 2014 that will create opportunities and increase the quality of life for northerners, including infrastructure investments, a new fund to improve health care services in the North and a commitment to enhance funding for the Nutrition North program.

Quick Facts

• According to the Conference Board of Canada, Nunavut’s real gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow by 3.7 percent in 2015.
• The mining industry in Nunavut will be one of the most important economic drivers in the years ahead.
• The Government of Canada is advancing an integrated Northern Strategy that will strengthen Canada's sovereignty, protect our environmental heritage, promote economic and social development and improve northern governance.

Quotes

“Our government’s top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity for all Canadians. To capitalize on the tremendous economic opportunity in the territories, including resource development, we’re taking action to address skills shortages and encouraging businesses to be involved in training programs specific to the North’s economic needs. We need to ensure that workers are ready to seize job opportunities both today and tomorrow.”

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

 

“As Regional Minister for the North and Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, I am pleased to see that businesses and training organizations are willing to play a greater role in helping northerners gain the skills to succeed in the labour force. Employers will seek out qualified individuals as they plan their long term expansion. We must encourage northerners to take advantage of the numerous education, training and job opportunities at hand.”

- The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council

src:news.gc.ca