The Government of Saskatchewan has stepped in to bridge a $17.6 million shortfall in federal funding for employment and skills training, ensuring that key programs continue uninterrupted in the province, it said in a press release.
The move comes as Saskatchewan calls on the federal government to reverse the cuts made through the Labour Market Transfer Agreements (LMTA), which have left provinces and territories grappling with reduced support for workforce development, it said.
The province’s intervention will maintain services for about 7,000 clients who rely on these programs, which are designed to prepare residents for jobs in Saskatchewan’s expanding economy. Provincial officials warn that without the restored funding, some of the province’s most vulnerable populations — such as persons with disabilities and adult learners, including a significant number of Indigenous people — would have faced significant barriers to employment.
“These reckless federal funding cuts come at a time when Saskatchewan is seeing historic job creation and more people are living and working in the province than ever before,” said Jeremy Harrison, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Immigration and Career Training. He emphasized the immediate need for labour market programs that provide training for in-demand skills, describing the provincial funding as essential to sustaining the workforce needed for the province’s continued growth.
Harrison added that Saskatchewan is joining other provinces and territories in pressing the federal government to restore the funding, which is viewed as critical for fostering strong, vibrant communities across the nation.
The LMTA funds community-based organizations across Saskatchewan that provide training and employment services. These partnerships align with the province’s “Building the Workforce for a Growing Economy” strategy, which aims to ensure Saskatchewan has the labour force required to meet employer demand.
Local leaders voiced their support for the provincial government’s intervention. Niña Reynolds, Director of Operations at YWCA Prince Albert, highlighted the positive impact of continued funding on their employment and training programs. “This funding will ensure the continued delivery of our programs and services, supporting newcomers, residents—especially the youth—and helping to grow the workforce in the Prince Albert area,” Reynolds said.
Rob Clark, CEO of the Moose Jaw District Chamber of Commerce, also praised the provincial support. “Our employment pairing program, Senior Moose Jobs, has benefitted retirees and businesses alike,” he said, noting that the program has surpassed its targets and is an example of effective collaboration with the provincial government.
The sentiment was echoed by Annette McGovern, Executive Director of the Battlefords Immigration Resource Centre, who emphasized the importance of supporting newcomers. “This generous contribution from the province reinforces its commitment to ensuring all Saskatchewan residents have every opportunity to benefit from our economy,” McGovern said.
Brian Shankowsky, Executive Director of the Regina Trades and Skills Centre, thanked the province for its role in sustaining industry-specific training programs. “The programs we offer provide students with training tailored to meet industry needs and support the demand for entry-level employees across all sectors,” Shankowsky noted, underscoring the broader impact on the province’s labour force.