Provincial and Territorial Ministers Skip Workforce Summit 2024 in Montreal
- Provincial and territorial labour market ministers did not attend the Workforce Summit 2024 due to concerns over unilateral planning by the federal government.
- They highlighted the importance of their roles in workforce development and criticized the $625 million reduction in Labour Market Transfer Agreement funding.
- The ministers urged the federal government to recognize their contributions and increase funding to better address workforce challenges.
On October 16, 2024, provincial and territorial labour market ministers in Canada expressed their concerns regarding the unilateral planning of the Workforce Summit 2024 by Employment and Social Development Canada. They highlighted the lack of consultation with provinces and territories, which are crucial for workforce development. The ministers emphasized the importance of their unique perspectives and experiences in addressing complex workforce challenges. They criticized the federal government's decision to focus solely on its priorities, neglecting the significant $625 million reduction in Labour Market Transfer Agreement funding for 2024-2025. This funding is essential for provinces and territories to provide effective employment services, particularly for underrepresented groups in the workforce. The ministers urged federal officials to recognize their role in workforce programming and to increase LMTA funding to better address the pressing needs of a diverse and modern workforce. They expressed disappointment over the lack of a released pan-Canadian report that could have informed discussions at the summit, indicating a missed opportunity for collaboration. The situation reflects ongoing tensions between federal and provincial governments regarding workforce development strategies and funding, which could impact the effectiveness of employment services across Canada.