The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), made the following statement about World Youth Skills Day 2022:
"On World Youth Skills Day, we celebrate young people and recognize their vital role in growing a competitive, innovative economy. Their vision, creativity, and talents are the foundation for building a strong, sustainable future that benefits all Canadians.
"We also recognize that young people are facing unprecedented challenges.
"COVID-19 disproportionately affected youth employment. In fact, positions held by young workers represented 28 percent of total jobs lost in Atlantic Canada during the pandemic.
"That is why the Government of Canada is focused on ensuring young people have the training, support, and skills they need to thrive and succeed in the workforce as they transition into their professional lives.
"Atlantic Canada's economic recovery and long-term prosperity depends on the support we provide to young people right now.
"As Minister responsible for ACOA, I am inspired to see the work being done to create youth employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. Since 2017, the Agency has provided just over $35 million for youth skills-building initiatives, projects, and programs. With this support, more young people are contributing to businesses across the region - driving growth in key sectors like the blue economy and clean technology.
"With roughly 20,000 Atlantic Canadians expected to retire per year, over the next 10 years, it is more important than ever to create pathways for young people - and other underrepresented groups such as women, Indigenous Peoples, members of racialized minorities, people with disabilities and LGBTQ2+ individuals - to become part of our skilled workforce, able to meet the growing demands of the region's labour market.
"ACOA is committed to empowering young people to participate fully in the economy and to help build an inclusive and dynamic workforce of the future.
"On World Youth Skills Day, I applaud the many organizations working diligently to promote, guide, and encourage young people as they embark on their professional and entrepreneurial journeys. To young Atlantic Canadians, I extend my sincere respect and admiration for your resilience, resourcefulness and perseverance as you make your mark at home, and on the world stage."
