Government of Canada : Minister Mihychuk talks youth, jobs and global best practices

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development hosts Employment and Labour Ministers from around the world

January 14-15, 2016 Paris, France Employment and Social Development Canada

The Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour attended the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Policy Forum on the Future of Work and the Employment and Labour Ministerial Meeting on January 14 and 15 at the OECD Headquarters in Paris, France.

During the forum, Minister Mihychuk highlighted the Government of Canada's focus on creating more jobs and better opportunities for young Canadians. She also reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving the Employment Insurance system which includes better-aligning it with the realities of today's labour market, and increasing workers' access to good quality job training that provides Canadians with pathways to good careers.

At the meeting, Minister Mihychuk talked about the changing nature of work in the digital age and the importance of strong labour markets and inclusiveness. She also met with several of her counterparts including Mr. Thomas E. Perez, U.S. Secretary of Labor, the Right Honourable Priti Patel, Minister of State for Employment, United Kingdom, Luis Eduardo Garzón, Minister of Labour for Colombia, Mr. Alfonso Navarrete Prida, Secretary of Labour and Social Welfare for Mexico and Mr. Angel Gurría, Secretary-General of the OECD. Minister Mihychuk used these opportunities to reaffirm Canada's positive relationship with its partners and to exchange best practices in the area of labour market and workforce development.

Quote

'In Canada, our challenge is to foster a new generation of workers who will have the right skills to match evolving labour market demands. And to truly achieve labour market resilience, we need the full participation of all potential workers. Our government is eager to collaborate with OECD member countries to deepen our understanding of issues, identify and expand on best practices, and keep improving our policies and programs.'

- The Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

Quick Facts

• Current global economic uncertainty and the collapse in commodity prices, especially that of oil, has highlighted the importance of strong policies that strengthen labour market resilience to sizeable shocks.
• The OECD's mission is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. To do so, it provides a forum in which governments can work together to share experiences and seek solutions to common problems.

Associated Links

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
http://www.oecd.org/employment/ministerial/

- 30 -

Contacts

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
[e-mail]
Follow us on Twitter