TRACADIE (GNB) – Premier David Alward announced a new training program in Tracadie today for unemployed New Brunswickers affected by the recent termination of the five-week extended Employment Insurance (EI) benefits federal pilot project.

He was joined at the announcement by Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Danny Soucy,  and by Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud.

Alward urged those workers affected by the so-called gap between their EI benefits running out and the beginning of their seasonal employment to seek assistance by making an appointment with their local provincial employment office today.

“If you are affected by the termination of the federal pilot project, our qualified staff can help you,” said Alward. “Starting March 18, programming and financial assistance will be offered to those seasonal workers affected by the gap between their Employment Insurance claim ending and the beginning of their next seasonal employment opportunity.”

All provincial offices have increased capacity to meet the needs of affected workers. The 30-hour per week targeted programming will be focused on the upgrading of Workplace Essential Skills of those workers affected in 2013. Concurrently, the province will work toward the development of a strategic plan that will sustain the seasonal workforce.

Courses will follow the Workplace Essential Skills curriculum which covers several modules including things like thinking skills, oral communication skills and digital literacy.

“These interventions will require workers to commit to a five-week training intervention,” said Soucy. “These increased skill levels will assist them in finding or maintaining employment.
Participants to these programs will be eligible for a financial assistance of up to $250 per week plus eligible living expenses while they are in training.”

More information about the locations of employment offices is available online.

Provincial labour market programs and services are funded, in part, by the federal government.


15-03-13