OTTAWA– Liberal Leader Bob Rae began a tour today to discuss with Canadians the role that skills training and education has to play in the creation of a sustainable economy.
“Canada’s future prosperity rests on our ability to train our best and brightest, and ensure that Canadians have the tools they need in order to compete in the global marketplace,” said Mr. Rae. “Accessibility to training is key, as is having flexible and adaptable institutions that provide relevant instruction for today’s workforce.”
Liberals believe a commitment to education must include Canadians who are retraining for a new career or seeking to upgrade their skills for re-entry into the workforce.
“More and more, educational and training institutions are providing services for those who have been out of the system for years or have lost their jobs and must retrain for a new career,” said Mr. Rae. “Where 25 years ago people would stay in one job for their entire career, the new reality is that today most people will have numerous jobs before they retire. In the face of a changing workforce, these services are crucial to keeping Canadians in well-paid and fulfilling employment.”
The Skills and Trades Tour was launched at Ottawa’s Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence, and will continue through to the end of January with stops across the country, including New Brunswick, Quebec and British Columbia. Mr. Rae and members of the Liberal caucus will speak with students, educators and administrators on the role of education in Canada’s future prosperity, and will view the innovations that the field has made in training and re-training tomorrow’s workforce.
