Manitoba has joined fellow provinces and territories in making the case for economic investments instead of cuts. 

Provincial and territorial labour market ministers held an emergency meeting on May 7 to discuss what they say is the federal government’s decision to cut more than half a billion dollars in workforce training funding and the impact it will have on all Canadians. The group has also issued a call for the feds to immediately reinstate the $625 million in funding.
    
"We feel like we're forced to make this this call alongside the other provinces because this is $20 million for Manitoba, in particular, that we're talking about," said Premier Wab Kinew. "Pre-employment programs getting people who want to start working in our communities across the province, getting them the pre-employment programs, the childcare supports, the basic skills to enter the workforce. People who are maybe sitting on the sidelines of the workforce right now, but who stepped up and said 'I want to get a job. I want to work'. Or maybe people who are new to the province and who need some help getting services so that they can go to work or have credentials recognized. In other cases, it's those early-stage training programs that help people be able to be relevant on the shop floor or in an employment setting."

The Premier noted the bulk of that $20 million was used in the Pembina Valley, Westman and Winnipeg regions and, with it gone, means Manitoba is that much further behind when it comes to creating good jobs and trying to the grow the economy. 

"It's definitely a concern," he added, "and I think the first step for us is just to kind of make the case to the feds that we don't think that pulling back on getting people working, cutting pre-employment programs, we don't think that's the right move right now. And then, of course, we're going to have to continue stepping up to make sure that the economy has the workers we need to keep moving forward and that all our communities have supports for people who want to get to work."

Kinew pointed to his government's commitment of more than $7 million in funding for Brandon University and $2 million for Assiniboine Community College made just last week during his inaugural State of the Province address.

Below is a copy of the statement distributed by the Province of Manitoba on behalf of the provincial and territorial ministers of the Forum of Labour Market Ministers.

Provincial and territorial labour market ministers held an emergency meeting on May 7 to discuss the federal government’s decision to cut more than half a billion dollars in workforce training funding and the impact it will have on all Canadians. 

Last month, Federal Budget 2024 cut $625 million from workforce development programs that help people find jobs in sectors facing labour shortages like construction, child care and health care. Contrary to federal minister Randy Boissonnault’s recent public remarks, provinces and territories were not advised of the funding cut prior to the release of the federal budget. In those same remarks, Minister Boissonnault further stated that the $625 million in funding was specifically provided to provinces and territories to address the need for more workforce training across Canada. While this implies that the needs have diminished and the funding is no longer required, ministers assert that the need for training has only increased as employers continue to struggle to find the skilled workers they need.

Ministers unanimously decried the federal government’s decision because it will reduce programs and services that help Canadian jobseekers – including newcomers, persons with disabilities and Indigenous peoples – develop the skills and training needed to enter the workforce. 

Ministers are united in their belief that these essential programs must be prioritized in bilateral engagements and that the federal government must give these programs – and the Canadians they support – the urgent attention they deserve. 

Despite requesting an urgent meeting with Minister Boissonnault immediately following the federal budget, he has not agreed to meet until mid-June. In the meantime, the future of the essential programs and services Canadians rely on to find and train for work remain at risk because of this federal cut.

Until that meeting occurs, provinces and territories must focus their attention on addressing the impact of this decision in their home jurisdictions and will not engage in the work of the Forum of Labour Market Ministers.

Provincial and territorial ministers remain resolute in their view that worker training is still a national priority, and they will continue to advocate for workers and employers.

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