Canada / Primer Harper: Lack of skilled labour threatens the economy

Producing more skilled workers, scientists and engineers is the key to Canada’s future prosperity, Prime Minister Stephen Harper says.

His analysis may have surprised a Canada-United States business group in Ottawa to talk about cross-border irritants, international trade negotiations, stalled pipelines and the rise of China as an economic power.

“This is in fact in my judgment the biggest challenge our country faces,” Harper said of skills shortages when asked about future growth in the economy.

Even as the country bounces back from the recession, the shortage of trained employees continues flare up as a problem, particularly in western Canada, he said.

Part of the problem arises from having an aging population, Harper observed. But he added, “For whatever reason, we know that peoples’ choices, in terms of the education system, tend to lead us to what appears to be a chronic shortage of certain skills. They are skilled trades, scientists and engineers.”…

Choosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor from

via Lack of skilled labour threatens Canadian economy, Prime Minister Stephen Harper says – thestar.com.