Employment and skills strategies in Canada

While the global recession placed significant pressure on the Canadian economy, the impact was mild compared to other OECD countries. That said, growth remains modest, and a number of groups, including the long-term unemployed, youth, women, disabled persons, immigrants and older workers, face a number of barriers to re-entering the labour market. Employment and training policies must continue to seek ways to activate these groups, while promoting economic growth and productivity. The OECD Local Economic and Employment Development (LEED) Programme has developed its reviews on Local Job Creation as an international cross-comparative study examining the contribution of local labour market policy to boosting quality employment and productivity. In Canada, the review has looked at the range of institutions and bodies involved in employment and skills policies. In-depth work was undertaken in Ontario and Quebec, looking at the Thunder Bay, Hamilton, Mauricie and Estrie regions.  Read more...