By September 2022, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who wish to train for a career will see an easier path to supports thanks to improvements under the Skills Development Program.
Changes announced by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, will result in an application process that is simplified and streamlined, resulting in increased benefits to assist adult learners and their families with the rising cost of living.
The following changes are expected to put an additional $16 million annually into the pockets of participating students:
- A maximum $500 per week top-up for Employment Insurance recipients;
- Combining living and transportation allowances into a simple single payment of $500 per week for individuals not receiving Employment Insurance; and
- Ending the historic requirement of spousal income assessment; putting a stop to the former practice of reducing non-training supports by 50 per cent if a spouse has income.
For examples that illustrate the additional benefits to adult learners and their families please see the backgrounder below.
Funded through the Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement, the Skills Development Program provides a financial benefit for training of Employment Insurance eligible individuals to obtain the skills necessary to secure employment. Supports are provided for costs of training such as tuition, books, fees, and health and dental insurance, as well as assistance with childcare or disability needs.
Supported training includes post-secondary programming and Adult Basic Education and literacy programming. If a participant’s Employment Insurance benefits expire while taking part in the Skills Development Program, they can transition to the new combined rate.
Quotes
“We are streamlining and simplifying the Skills Development Program to make it more generous and better meet the needs of those who bravely choose to embark on the education journey to a brighter future in this province’s evolving economy. By removing barriers, increasing benefits and cutting red tape, we are ensuring Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who are training for a new career can avail of all the necessary supports for themselves and their families.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
“These changes to the Skills Development Program will have a positive impact on those who are seeking to enter into the workforce. Ending the historic requirement of spousal income assessment directly benefits women and gender diverse individuals as they upskill, reskill, or change career paths.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality
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Media contacts
Jeremy Reynolds
Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
709-729-2377, 709-691-2298
jeremyreynolds@gov.nl.ca
Angela Picco
Office of Women and Gender Equality
709-729-4934, 687-4756
angelapicco@gov.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Scenarios Detailing Additional Benefits to Adult Learners and Their Families*
Scenario 1
An Employment Insurance recipient was assessed to receive $400 per week while in school. Under the new top-up, this individual will now receive an extra $100 per week.
Scenario 2
A married woman was assessed as needing $400 per week living allowance and $50 per week in transportation, for a total of $450 per week. However, since her spouse has income, her entitlements were automatically cut by 50 per cent to $225 per week. Under the new rules, this woman would be entitled to the full $500 per week stipend – an additional $275 per week.
Scenario 3
A single client coming off Income Support is receiving a living allowance of $199 per week. The individual is also receiving the maximum of $194 per week for transportation, bringing a total support of $393 per week. Under the new rates, this client will receive an additional $107 per week under the flat rate
*These scenarios are meant to serve as examples reflecting several typical situations and do not reflect all funding arrangements. Individual assessments vary and are completed on a case-by-case basis.