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Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation

Canada - British Columbia Labour Market Agreement

Purpose

Funding provided through the Labour Market Agreement (LMA) supports new investment in labour market programs and services for:

  • those who are unemployed but not eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits or programs, and
  • those who are employed and  low-skilled, that is lacking high school diploma, lacking certification or essential skills.

Main Features

  • Beginning in 2008, Canada provides funding over the six years to support B.C. labour market programs.
  • The Ministry of Regional Economic and Skills Development is the provincial ministry responsible for oversight of the LMA.
  • Federal LMA funding represents approximately $66 million per year over six years for a total of approximately $396 million.
  • Annual planning, financial reporting, performance measurement, public reporting and program evaluation provide accountability.

For more information: Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement

Full legal text

Annual plans and reports

Strategic Training and Transition Fund (STTF)

On January 27, 2009 as part of the Budget 2009: Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada announced a two-year, national $500 million Strategic Training and Transition Fund (STTF). The fund’s primary objective is to provide labour market programs and services that support sectors, communities and individuals affected by the economic downturn.

British Columbia’s portion of the national funding is approximately $25.6 million per year for 2009/10 and 2010/11, totalling $51.2 million over two years.

The purpose, objectives and principles that guide LMA investments also guide STTF investments. However, the eligibility criteria under the STTF are broader than the LMA, extending eligibility to employed and unemployed individuals impacted by the economic downturn. (no distinction between Employment Insurance and non-Employment Insurance clients).