Conservatives skills failure squandering mining boom

A Canadian Chamber of Commerce report warns that the Conservatives’ neglect of skills development is not only failing the mining industry and Canadian workers but also jeopardizing the long-term success of the sector.

“This confirms what the NDP has been saying: our mining sector’s tremendous potential is not being realised because of Conservative failures,” said NDP MP Claude Gravelle (Nickel Belt). “Conservatives have not taken skills development seriously and now Canadian businesses and workers are paying the price.”

Mining advocate, Claude Gravelle has been working on a Mining Strategy where all communities including First Nations will benefit from sustainable development of our resources.

“The Conservatives slashed funding for labour market information that should guide proactive training strategies for the mining sector and other areas of our economy,” said Gravelle.

As part of a practical, sustainable plan, New Democrats have called for a long-term skills training strategy that addresses the need for skilled labour in many sectors of our economy and prepares Canadians for good skilled jobs.