Speaking Notes for the Honourable Beverley J. Oda Minister of International Cooperation for the Launch of Skills for Employment Initiative at Durham College

March 6, 2009

Whitby, Ontario

Thank you Don, for that warm introduction.

And thank you for welcoming us to Durham College's Whitby Skills training campus.

As you know, along with Minister Flaherty, I consider Durham College to be my college.

And I am so proud of the excellent facilities and training programs you have here to give young Canadians an opportunity for a bright future.

Canadians know that a strong economy depends on a skilled workforce.

This is true in any country, but often it is what is missing in some of the world's poorest regions.

In my travels around the world, I have seen that for developing countries to succeed, basic education is an important first step.

And our government has worked with our international partners, to improve access to quality basic education.

Canada is one of the largest supporters of education in the least developed countries.

I know that with our support almost 90 percent of children are now attending school in Tanzania.

And in Mozambique over 80 percent of the children are in school with proper textbooks.

In 2001, only 700,000 children were in school in Afghanistan and all of them were boys.

Today, there are 7 million going to school and 30 percent of them are girls.

And we will continue to support increasing primary school enrolment in developing countries where so few have access to a quality education.

I have been told that one can measure the quality of life in a country by noting how many young people are on the streets without any purpose, goal or destination.

And in too many developing countries, I have seen too many youth without the opportunities for further education or a chance to get a job to live productive lives.

That is why I believe that relevant; quality technical and vocational training programs can serve as a bridge for them into the local labour market.

This, I believe, will not only help strengthen the foundations of businesses and industries, it will enhance social stability in their communities.

It will provide an opportunity to earn a living and contribute to their family's income helping them to move out of poverty.
And I am convinced that this is a necessary step in building strong stable countries.

Canada is recognized worldwide for its strong education system, its expertise in the management of education reform, and its high quality skills development programs at the secondary, community college and university levels.

In other words, Canada has the tools to provide the necessary know-how and help develop a qualified workforce in developing countries around the world.

And so today, I am proud to launch the Government's new international vocational training initiative, Skills for Employment with an investment of $95 million.

This is in addition to the $140 million annual average that CIDA invests in vocational training.

I would like to acknowledge the work of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges or ACCC that represents 152 Canadian community colleges, institutes of technology, vocational training institutes, Cégeps (SAY-JEPS) and university colleges across the country.

Many of their members have been partners of CIDA for many years.

Together, with the ACCC, we will ensure that this new initiative is focused on results and effectively managed.

And it will generate outcomes that can be reported back to Canadian taxpayers.

This new initiative will help youth and adults gain the skills they need to engage in meaningful employment and contribute to the economic and social development of their own communities.

All very positive outcomes.

And so today, I have the added pleasure to announce the first Skills for Employment initiative.

Working in collaboration with ACCC, as well as other organizations with training experience, Canada will be investing $22.3 million in vocational training programs in Africa.

This new programming in Africa will primarily focus on Senegal, Tanzania and Mozambique.

But it will also support Canadian community colleges projects in Namibia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Niger, Rwanda, Burkina Faso and South Africa.

This initiative reinforces that Canada is set to meet its commitment to doubling its aid to Africa.

The ACCC's program, "Education for Employment" in Africa will contribute to workforce training and micro-enterprise support in sectors of the country's economy where there is a lack of skilled workers and entrepreneurs.

It will also help recipient countries establish the necessary facilities, modernize curricula, train trainers and assess private sector needs.

This process will also enhance linkages between Canadian and African training institutions.

By the end of the first 3 years, more than 2,000 individuals are expected to graduate from programs, qualified to enter certified trades in target sectors in their country.

These graduates will be supporting families, making communities stronger, contributing to better incomes for women and youth, and renewing their hope for a brighter future.

I know that Canada is well positioned to help build the education and training systems in developing countries.

And I am committed to providing developing countries with access to the best experience, knowledge and expertise Canada has to offer.

Canadians can be proud of the international Skills for Employment initiative.

It is an investment that will bring huge dividends to individuals, families and communities in countries where Canada can make a real difference.

Thank you.