Improve Canadians' access to good quality job training.

What success looks like

Canada will have one of the most skilled, talented, creative and diverse workforces in the world, with more opportunities for all Canadians to get the education, skills, and work experience they need to participate fully in the workforce of today, as they—and their children—prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.

Government's narrative on progress

In Budget 2017, as part of the government's Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government of Canada announced several measures to help more Canadians get the education, skills and work experience they need to succeed today and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. In support of this, the Skills Boost initiative has introduced several measures for 2018-2019, including: increased eligibility for Canada Student Grants and Loans for part-time students as well as Canada Student Grants for students with dependents; and a three-year pilot project targeted to adult learners that will provide an additional $1,600 in grant support and allow flexibility to base Canada Student Grant eligibility on current year's income. The Skills Boost also provides greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits. The government has also expanded workers' access to skills training and job supports, and is improving access to opportunities for lifelong learning, and increasing work experience opportunities for Canadians. This includes additional investments in the labour market transfer agreements with provinces and territories, which include Labour Market Development Agreements and new Workforce Development Agreements, over six years, which began in 2017-2018. The agreements have been signed with most jurisdictions. Remaining negotiations are expected to be completed later this fiscal year. In Budget 2019, the government also proposes to establish a new Canada Training Benefit to help working Canadians get the skills they need to succeed in a changing world. The Canada Training Benefit includes a new Employment Insurance (EI) Training Support Benefit to provide income support when an individual requires time to take off work.

Note: this is the government's own description, not an independent assessment.