News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the federal government introducing a new generation of labour market agreements for persons with disabilities totaling nearly $48 million.

"This memorandum of understanding will help us deliver targeted employment and training programs for persons with disabilities that will better lead to real jobs for real pay," said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Jody Carr. "We are building an inclusive province where all persons have the opportunity to succeed in the labour market.”

The Canada-New Brunswick Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities, will secure funding to March 31, 2018. The federal government will cost match New Brunswick’s investment up to approximately $6 million per year for four years.

“Our government's top priority is jobs and the economy,” said Carr. “By working with community partners, employers and the federal government we are well positioned to provide more job opportunities for residents with disabilities. This is an important agreement to further grow our economy by focusing on people, skills and jobs.”

This agreement aims to better meet the employment needs of Canadian businesses, improve the employment prospects for persons with disabilities and put stronger accountability regimes in place. It also supports the government's employment strategies outlined in An Employment Action Plan for Persons with a Disability and the Labour Force and Skills Development Strategy.

Specifically, the renewed agreement will be more responsive to labour market needs by being demand-driven including the requirement to consult business and community partners, and will improve accountability to ensure persons with a disability obtain and maintain meaningful employment.

“Our government’s top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity,” said federal Minister of Employment and Social Development Jason Kenney. "Through the Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities, we are helping Canadians with disabilities gain the skills and experience they need to find jobs, while giving employers access to a better and larger pool of talented employees. Our government is very pleased that New Brunswick has committed to participate in this new generation of agreements to help people with disabilities get jobs in their area."

The memorandum was signed on the heels of the agreement in principle to renew labour markets agreements, now called the Canada Job Fund, and establish the Canada Job Grant. Under that agreement, the province will receive $66 million dollars over six years as its share of federal investments for skills training.