Labour market development agreements and their related employment benefits and support measures form a key part of the training offered to Canadians seeking employment. It would be beneficial to everyone involved if the agreements and programs were improved to bring workers’ skills more in line with the actual needs of the labour market. Consultations are under way to guide the renewal of the LMDAs, and the Committee’s study is part of this process.

Many of the organizations and individuals appearing before the Committee told members that they support such initiatives as a better labour market information system, greater employer involvement in training programs, and enhanced accountability mechanisms for LMDAs. They suggested establishing labour market partners’ forums at the federal, provincial and territorial levels so that information can be shared on the actual needs of industry, best practices in training, and training outcomes.

On many occasions, witnesses raised issues such as expanding eligibility criteria to give more people access to training programs, taking a more proactive approach with workers who have lost their jobs, and making it easier for job seekers to move in order to fill a position or take training.

Witnesses shared their thoughts, suggestions and solutions regarding these issues to support the federal government as it works in co-operation with the provinces and territories on workforce development, which is of critical importance for Canadians.

The recommendations in this report come from a wide range of stakeholders involved in skills development, including employers, labour organizations, researchers, public servants, educators, community-based agencies, Aboriginal organizations and policy makers. They are the result of a collective effort to make future LMDAs more effective and enable Canadians, businesses, communities and the Canadian economy to prosper.