Provincial reluctance over Canada Job Grant program

As part of the 2013 federal budget, released in March, the proposed Canada Job Grant has come under some criticism by provincial officials. The program would provide $15,000 for skills training to employees, with 1/3 coming from federal coffers, and the other 2/3 provided by the worker’s provincial government and employer. All 4 Atlantic premiers have voiced their concerns in a statement that suggests small businesses in Atlantic Canada would not be able to afford the $5,000 per employee for re-training. They have also requested more clarity regarding the program’s design, and suggested the possibility of provincial opt-outs. Quebec, Ontario and BC voiced concerns earlier about various aspects of the unilateral program. Further criticism is focused on the airing of prime-time commercials before the program has been finalized; however, HRSDC defends the decision to air the ads, saying they want employees and businesses to be aware of the program’s potential when it is in place. CBC