Federal Government Initiative Announced for Long-Tenured Workers

Posted In: Canada, Career Resources, Government Programs · By: Seniors for Jobs.com · Date: 2 Feb 2009

From Canada's Economic Plan, Budget 2009, Chapter 3 Department of Finance

As the global economic slowdown has unfolded, a number of communities across the country have been particularly hard hit. Individuals who have spent years working in one industry or for one employer now face the prospect of unemployment and the need to retrain for a new job, possibly in an entirely different industry.

To ensure that Canadian workers have financial support while training for new  employment opportunities, the Government will provide $500-million over two years to extend EI income benefits for individuals participating in longer-term training.

This funding will give up to 10,000 long-tenured workers additional time and financial support to allow them to gain the new skills needed to adapt to the changing economy. It will also allow earlier access to EI benefits for workers who have received severance packages, if they use some or all of that severance to purchase skills upgrading or training for themselves.

From Canada's Economic Plan, Budget 2009, Chapter 3

Department of Finance