Develop initiatives to equip Canadians with the skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow, and assist workers before they become unemployed.

What success looks like

Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs.

Government's narrative on progress

The Government of Canada is working with employers, unions, provinces, territories and educational institutions to ensure that Canadians are equipped to adapt to rapidly changing skills requirements and make successful job transitions. There is a particular focus throughout the suite of government investments in training, education and work experiences on addressing the skills needs of those at risk of being left furthest behind, such as Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, newcomers and vulnerable youth. To ensure Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs, the government has significantly increased investment in labour market transfer agreements with provinces and territories and expanded their inclusiveness and scope to improve workers' access to skills training and job supports. The Federal government is also making post-secondary education more affordable for low- and modest income families, increasing opportunities for graduates to gain work-ready skills for smoother school-to-work transitions and improving access to opportunities for adult upskilling and lifelong learning. The government is also enhancing supports for skilled trades and apprenticeships, with an increasing focus on women and groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in the labour market. Budget 2019 reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Future Skills. The Future Skills initiative will play a key role in ensuring that the government is able to provide skills development programs that help Canadians prepare for the future of work by exploring major trends shaping the future and testing innovative approaches to prepare Canadians to meet them head-on. On February 14, 2019, the government announced the membership of the Future Skills Council, and the partnership of organizations selected to operate Canada’s new Future Skills Centre. The Future Skills Council will advise on emerging skills and workforce trends of national and regional significance and the Future Skills Centre will develop, test and rigorously measure new approaches to skills assessment and development. Evidence and results will support changes in skills development services to ensure they are responsive to Canadian needs. Budget 2019 also proposes to introduce the Canada Training Benefit, a new personalized, portable tool to help all Canadians get the skills they need to find and keep good jobs. The Canada Training Benefit would give workers money to help pay for training, provide income support during training, and offer job protection so that workers can take the time they need to keep their skills relevant and in-demand.

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