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Skills shortages slow economic growth

OTTAWA — The federal government says skills shortages are hampering economic recovery, a problem aggravated by a lack of information about skills in short supply.

OTTAWA — The federal government says skills shortages are hampering economic recovery, a problem aggravated by a lack of information about skills in short supply.

So Human Resource Minister Diane Finley says Ottawa is going to start posting that kind of information online.

Finley says skills shortages in areas such as health care, skilled trades and information and communications technology are largely to blame for sluggish growth in productivity.

Finley says more skills shortages are imminent and improving Canadians’ standard of living depends on meeting those demands and adding more value to the economy.

She says colleges, universities, business, labour and government need to work together to keep up with the new economy.

The “Working in Canada” website will provide information on who is hiring and what skills are needed.

“Better information will help Canadians find jobs and make the right learning and career choices,” she told a news conference Wednesday.

“Improved matching of skills with market demands will continue to build Canada’s future prosperity. Better skills and job fit will result in a more productive labour force.”

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On the web: www.workingincanada.gc.ca