Canada’s labor ministers say they want federal government formation money back

VICTORIA — Canada’s provincial and territorial labor ministers will meet with their federal counterparts on Monday to ask the federal government to restore $625 million it cut from Labor Market Transfer Agreements.

A statement released by the British Columbia government says the cut has a significant impact on the ability of provinces and territories to maintain skills training services for priority sectors such as construction and health care.

Provincial and territorial ministers are said to be united in their support for Canadian workers and employers affected by the cuts.

The statement said ministers will meet virtually with Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault, though no one in his office could immediately comment on the funding cut.

Ministers say the group will focus on insisting the federal government reverse the “wrong decision”.

Much of the transfer deal funds come from employment insurance premiums paid by workers and employers, which ministers say deserve to benefit from investment in access to skills, training and employment services in the changing economy.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 14, 2024.

The Canadian Press