PCA Federal Director Sean Reid recently submitted a letter to the editor of the Globe and Mail in response to this editorial regarding the Canada Job Grant: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/editorials/wanted-policy-analyst-experience-necessary/article16373663/
Below is the text of Sean’s letter, which was published on Monday, January 20.
Re Wanted: Policy Analyst. Experience Necessary (editorial, Jan. 17): The media, political pundits and policy wonks can wring their hands all they want about the roll-out of the Canada Job Grant. The construction businesses my organization represents – alongside employers from across Canada – steadfastly remain in support of this skills-training initiative.
Its implementation would put employers in the driver’s seat and ensure training dollars are tied to real jobs. Businesses understand we can’t complain about skills shortages without doing our part to train the next generation of workers. The job grant’s cost-matching design will enable employers to do exactly that.
Armchair quarterbacks should step aside. Give federal and provincial governments the chance to put this initiative in motion.
Sean Reid, director, federal and Ontario Progressive Contractors Association of Canada