December 10, 2001

Investments in skills and learning are critical to success in the global knowledge-based economy. A more educated and skilled labour force is the key to greater productivity and increased competitiveness.

Our government has long recognized the importance of skills and learning in ensuring Canada’s long-term prosperity and have made it a focus for investment. The introduction of the Canadian Opportunities Strategy in 1998, and the subsequent introduction of the Canada Millennium Scholarships and of the Canada Education Savings Grant are only a few examples.

Budget 2001 builds on our government’s initiatives over the last eight years with the following investments:

$24 million over two years to support sector councils – industry-wide partnerships that bring together employers, unions, workers and educators to assess future employment patterns, skill requirements and training practices.

$10 million a year to improve support for persons with disabilities who pursue higher education. The maximum amount for assistance delivered through the Canada Study Grants will increase to $8,000 from $5,000. In addition, a supplementary grant of up to $2,000 a year will be provided to students who need more money to meet their needs.

$15 million a year to encourage the acquisition of trade skills by changing the provisions of the EI program so that apprentices in approved programs are subjected to only one two-week waiting period over the course of their training before they start receiving EI benefits.

$5 million a year to exempt from income tax any tuition assistance for adult basic education provided under certain government programs, including employment insurance. This will apply to eligible assistance received after 1996.

$20 million a year to extend the education tax credit to people who receive taxable assistance for post-secondary education under certain government programs, including employment insurance. This will provide significant tax relief to approximately 65,000 Canadians upgrading their skills.

$5 million a year to promote linguistic exchanges and activities for young Canadians.

$10 million endowment for the University of Moncton’s research institute on public policies in support of linguistic minorities in Canada.