Kenney, premiers, hint deal is looming on Canada Job Grant

OTTAWA – Both federal and provincial officials say the future appears bright for the Canada Job Grant.

Employment Minister Jason Kenney says his provincial and territorial counterparts are “pleased” with the flexibility the Conservative government has shown in negotiations on the once-contentious national job training program.

Kenney sent a counter-proposal to the provinces on Friday, and early indications suggest it’s been received with open arms. His department is still in discussions on the job grant with Quebec.

READ MORE: Ontario warns time running out on job grant agreement with Ottawa

The provinces and territories held a conference call on Tuesday on the latest offer from Ottawa.

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall praised Kenney for the offer, saying it will allow his province to participate in the Job Grant without draining resources from existing training programs that serve its most marginalized and vulnerable workers.

Wall said Saskatchewan was in a “good spot” with the latest offer, and lauded Kenney’s counter-proposal.

The federal government agreed to key demands from the provinces and territories in its counter-offer.

The proposal, obtained by The Canadian Press, states that the federal government will allow maximum flexibility in the source of funding for the program.