Statement - OECD says Canada has positive employment outlook and is improving the way it gets people back to work

GATINEAU, QC, July 10, 2015 /CNW/ - The Harper Government is welcoming two OECD reports this week that indicate that, despite a fragile global economy, Canada continues to improve the way it gets people back to work and the country's employment outlook is positive.

The first report, Back to work: Canada, Improving the Re-employment Prospects of Displaced Workers, released Tuesday, indicates that Canada continues to help workers who have lost their jobs due to economic reasons such as firm closures or downsizing.

The report finds that:

• Canada has a sound set of policies and programs to help the unemployed return to the workforce, including the Employment Insurance (EI) program, employment services and skills training; 
• access to EI benefits remains high for unemployed Canadians; and 
• Canada places a strong emphasis on supporting those affected by mass layoffs.

The second report, OECD Employment Outlook 2015, released Thursday, states that Canada has experienced solid labour market recovery since the depths of the global recession.  

The report finds that:

• Canada's unemployment rate is near pre-recession levels and is expected to decline even further by the end of 2016; and
• the incidence of long-term unemployment—the share of those who have been searching for a job for more than one year—is one of the lowest among OECD countries.

"Despite a fragile global economy, our Government is creating jobs through tax cuts, training and trade. A balanced budget makes these goals possible. Under Prime Minister Stephen Harper's leadership, Canada is weathering this storm. The best way to strengthen our economy and help Canadian families prosper is to ensure that everyone who wants to work has the opportunity to do so," said the Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of Employment and Social Development.

"Our Government has made changes over the last few years to help better connect unemployed Canadians with available jobs. We've also strengthened supports for apprentices, encouraged greater employer participation in skills training decisions and are developing better labour market information. We remain committed to ensuring that all Canadians can take advantage of economic opportunities now and in the future," he concluded.

Associated Links

Back to Work: Canada
OECD Employment Outlook 2015

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada