Montréal, November 11, 2015 ‒ The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal welcomes the tabling of Bill 70 by the Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region, Sam Hamad, to create a closer link between education and employment and to promote integration to the workforce.
“The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal supports one of the key aspects of Bill 70, which is the importance of strengthening skills and competencies for successful integration to the workforce,” said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. “The business community has been calling for a better correlation between education and employment. The Board of Trade has regularly pointed to the fact that many of the city’s businesses have vacancies, which is something of a paradox given that unemployment is at 8.8% and that there are over 50,000 people fit to work who are receiving social assistance. This shortage of qualified workers is likely to grow with the increased demographic crunch caused by the aging population. In this context, the focus on better correlating education and employment is entirely appropriate.”
“We support the government’s intention to encourage people applying for assistance to take part in an employment integration program,” Michel Leblanc said. “The Board of Trade is pleased that the bill recognizes the importance of taking into account future job market needs. As such, the Board of Trade supports the government in asking the Commission des partenaires du marché du travail to study current and future labour development needs. We must have a clear vision of our labour needs to gauge interventions in education and immigration.”
“The Board of Trade calls on the government to pay particular attention to Greater Montréal, where close to 50% of Quebec’s population and jobs are located,” Mr. Leblanc said. “The situation in Greater Montréal is even more particular given that we are home to over 87% of Quebec’s recent immigrants, a population that faces high unemployment and challenges in joining the workforce. The application of the law and in particular adapting personalized support for integration to the workforce should reflect these unique circumstances.”
About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of over 7,000 members. Its mission is to be the voice of Montréal’s business community and to promote the city’s prosperity. It is involved in key areas of economic development, advocating a philosophy of action based on engagement, credibility, proactivity, collaboration, and innovation. The Board of Trade also offers a range of specialized services to individuals and to businesses of all sizes to support them in their growth at home and abroad.
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Source:
Guillaume Bérubé
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Phone: 514 871-4000, extension 4042
gberube@ccmm.qc.ca
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