News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PM stands up for Nova Scotia workers

Canada's Economic Action Plan

August 18, 2010
Waterville, Nova Scotia

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today reinforced the Government of Canada's support for Nova Scotia's workers. Following a visit to the Michelin Tire Factory in Waterville, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the company's highly successful participation in the Government's Work-Sharing Program. Prime Minister Harper took the opportunity to announce continued support for the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program - another initiative designed to keep Canadians working during and after the global economic recession. He was joined by Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova.

"Our Government is standing up for Nova Scotia's workers," said the Prime Minister. "As soon as the global economic recession hit, we took immediate action to come up with creative solutions like the Work-Sharing Program to keep businesses open and Canadians in their jobs."

By joining the Work-Sharing Program in April 2009, the Michelin Tire Factory in Waterville avoided laying-off 95 employees; 578 employees at the plant participated in this program. This year the company has removed its hiring freeze and added 91 new employees to its ranks. This program has been successfully implemented across the country, indeed, the Prime Minister also visited another successful Work-Sharing Program yesterday, Global Upholstery Company Inc., in Downsview, Ontario.

"Today I am pleased to announce our Government's continued support to help older Nova Scotians develop the skills they need to find new jobs," said Prime Minister Harper. "Because in today's knowledge-based economy, we recognize the necessity of keeping our workforce up-to-date on the latest technologies, processes and best practices."

Through the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program, the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia have been providing skills training and work experience for over 300 unemployed older workers in Nova Scotia since April 2009. The program helps older workers re-enter the workforce and adapt to the changing economy.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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