The province is providing short-term help to training organizations whose funding has been compromised by ongoing Labour Market Agreement negotiations.
Government will provide $2.2 million in interim funding to more than 60 groups that help Nova Scotians get the skills they need to connect with jobs.
“We understand how stressful even the possibility of losing funding can be to these partner organizations that help Nova Scotians get critical training,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “This short-term funding allows these groups to maintain their programs and gives the province more time to negotiate for the best possible agreement.”
The province is providing two months of funding to organizations that support things like literacy, skills development and job coaching. Funding for these programs has come from the federal Labour Market Agreement, which expires March 31.
The money will come from the province’s general revenue.
“This is great news for organizations like ours that provide Nova Scotians with vital training and employment supports,” said Janice Ainsworth, executive director of TEAM Work Cooperative. “Thanks to this funding, 200 Nova Scotians with disabilities will be able to continue their employment. This is a true demonstration of the province’s commitment to providing the right supports to make a better Nova Scotia for all.”
“The best news would be to hear that the federal government was restoring the Labour Market Agreement transfer and not funding their Canada Job Grant from literacy dollars,” said Peter Gillis, co-president of the Association of Nova Scotia Community Learning Organizations. “However, these are extremely difficult times for community learning organizations and, under the circumstances, this infusion of transitional support from the province is very welcome.”
“The Canada Job Grant must work better for Nova Scotians; it must be affordable for our small businesses, and protect employment support for our most vulnerable citizens,” said Kelly Regan, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education. “We will continue to work hard for these organizations and the people they help.”
The funding will be available to the organizations April 1.
Source: Release
