There’s a hope that Ottawa’s financial plan will put Canadians to work.
Finance Minister Jim Flaherty revealed his new federal budget Thursday and it includes a focus on skills training to bolster the workforce and economy.
“There are challenges with skills training. It wasn’t seamless and there was a lack of money for people needing those skills,” said Colin Mayes, Okanagan-Shuswap MP.
“Businesses have work but they are unable to find skilled people.”
The budget calls for a maximum $5,000 in federal funding per person for training. That money will be matched by the provinces and employers.
There is also $241 million over five years for First Nations Canadians to pursue skills training.
Mayes defends funding for training when there are concerns about First Nations communities not having basic infrastructure.
“We have been addressing those things. We have built 30 schools and addressed water issues,” he said.
“We have spent billions on reserve and off-reserve housing. We are looking to the future and we must make First Nations communities viable. We must engage aboriginal youth in the economy.”
The $5,000 in federal money for an individual wanting to pursue skills training must be matched by the province and employer.
Nick Hodge, Okanagan-Shuswap NDP president, isn’t sure if that will be possible.
“It’s difficult to get three parties organized,” he said, adding that employers and provinces may not have the money to participate in the new program.
“Personally, I am pleased that the jobs strategy is so successful. I have three of them.”
The Liberals are not impressed with the budget.
“There’s some shifts of training from the federal government to the provinces,” said Janna Francis, riding association spokesperson.
“It’s a business as usual budget. There is nothing concrete and no details. The devil will be in the details.”