A national framework to address Canada’s gap in skills and learning was developed this week at the CGA-Canada Summit on Skills and Learning held in Ottawa. Over 80 business leaders, educators, government officials, labour unions and industry representatives concerned about this issue contributed to the recommendations. The framework which will be published in mid-June, will be presented to public policy makers.
“The shortage of skilled workers in Canada has become one of the most pressing public policy challenges in the country,” said Anthony Ariganello, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada (CGA-Canada). “While some issues are region specific, fundamental problems regarding skills and learning are common across all sectors of the Canadian economy.”
Throughout March and April, the Public Policy Forum, in collaboration with CGA-Canada, the lead sponsor on this project, organized and facilitated a series of eight regional roundtables in Montréal, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Halifax, Toronto, St. John’s, and Sudbury. Stakeholders discussed regional challenges with respect to workplace training, skills shortages and labour mobility, immigrant labour market integration, Aboriginal engagement, and retaining older workers.
The roundtables culminated in the Summit on Skills and Learning where key issues raised in the regional discussions were used to develop a national framework to address this problem.
“The proposed national framework will serve as a catalyst,” added Ariganello. “But it’s just the beginning. Maintaining our focus, engaging the public and private sectors to continue the dialogue and follow-through on the recommendations are key to addressing this challenge.”
About CGA-Canada
CGA is the fastest-growing accounting designation in Canada. The CGA designation focuses on integrity, ethics and the highest education requirements. Recognized as the country’s accounting business leaders, CGAs provide strategic counsel, financial leadership, and overall direction to all sectors of the Canadian economy.
The Association sets standards, develops education programs, publishes professional materials, advocates on public policy issues, and represents CGAs nationally and internationally. The Certified General Accountants Association of Canada represents 68,000 CGAs and students in Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Hong Kong and China.
For more information, please contact:
Taylore Ashlie
Director, Communications
CGA-Canada
Telephone: 604 605-5055
Cell: 604 307-0212
Email:
tashlie@cga-canada.org
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