HRDC: Transitional Jobs Fund

SUDBURY, ONTARIO - The Honourable Diane Marleau, Minister for International Cooperation, Minister responsible for La Francophonie and Member of Parliament for Sudbury, on behalf of the Honourable Pierre S. Pettigrew, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada, today announced funding of $300,000 to assist the Mining Innovation, Rehabilitation and Applied Research Corporation (MIRARCO) with a research and development project in Sudbury.

The Government of Canada is participating through the Transitional Jobs Fund in this partnership with MIRARCO. This project has been identified as a priority for economic development and will help create 37 full-time, sustainable jobs in the Sudbury area. In addition to Human Resources Development Canada's contribution of $300,000, MIRARCO will invest $451,000 for a total investment of $751,000 in this project.

"I am very pleased to announce the Government of Canada's contribution in this most worthwhile partnership with MIRARCO. Not only will it create much needed jobs in the Sudbury area, but it will also further position Sudbury as a world class centre of excellence in mining." said Mrs. Marleau. "Innovations like these are instrumental in ensuring the mining industry remains a viable and growing resource for Northern Ontario."

MIRARCO will work on solutions to ensure safe, sustainable and cost-effective mining. The non-profit consortium will develop new products and services for use by the private sector. The project will also foster economic growth and diversification in the Sudbury region and northern Ontario.

The Government of Canada's Transitional Jobs Fund (TJF) totals $300 million over three years and promotes economic growth and employment in areas of high unemployment. TJF was implemented at the same time as the Employment Insurance system on July 1, 1996, and assists regions throughout Canada to develop long-term, sustainable employment in sectors that have good prospects for future growth. The Government of Canada has renewed its commitment to helping Canadians find jobs with the new Canada Jobs Fund (CJF), a permanent $110 million per year investment beginning April 1, 1999.

Both TJF and CJF are designed to encourage partnership initiatives with other levels of government, the private sector and community groups. Projects are subject to consultations with the government of the province or territory in which the activity takes place, regardless of its financial participation. Projects should also be consistent with regional economic development strategies.

This project supports the Government of Canada's Jobs Strategy. The Jobs Strategy is based on strengthening economic fundamentals and establishing a favourable climate for job creation by making strategic investments in priority areas where the government can make a difference - areas such as youth, trade, technology and infrastructure.

This announcement is an example of how the Government of Canada is prioritizing its spending so it can better serve Canadians by making efficient use of their tax dollars.