Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak on Motion No. 164, especially as it relates to the Government of Canada's work with the textile and clothing industries to help them adapt to new market forces. We are committed to the long term viability of both of these industries. Our goal is to work with them to develop effective ways to address the impacts of the reduction of tariffs and quotas in these sectors.
The Government of Canada realizes that it is the personnel of an industry that faces the brunt of these impacts. We recognize that all workers, including older workers, can and want to continue making a contribution. This is why the Government of Canada, in close collaboration with provinces and territories, has been working to test approaches to assist older workers to find and retain employment.
The Government of Canada invested $50 million in the older workers pilot projects initiative between 1999 and 2005. The initiative was extended until May of 2006 and enriched by $5 million. This will allow the Government of Canada, with provinces and territories, to continue to explore ways to assist older workers in the labour market while identifying key lessons that will inform future policy and programming for older workers.
Quebec has signed an older workers pilot project initiative agreement with the Government of Canada, under this extension, for over $3 million in federal funding to carry out projects for older workers. In addition, under this agreement the Government of Canada has committed to continue to work with the province of Quebec to identify the needs and long term solutions for older workers.
As well, many older workers are assisted through employment programs funded through the Employment Insurance Act. Across the country, 142,000 Canadians aged 45 or over were served in EI funded programs either developing new skills or receiving support through job counselling, resumé writing and job search assistance. Last year over 50,000 workers over the age of 44 in the province of Quebec were assisted.
Our approach to assisting workers means looking to the long term by helping to adapt to changing circumstances so they can continue to stay productive. That is the driving force behind the workplace skills strategy which the Government of Canada announced in the Speech from the Throne. Budget 2005 set aside $125 million over three years to help us work with the provinces, industry and unions to: first, help develop a highly skilled, adaptable and resilient workforce; second, build a more flexible and efficient labour market; and, third, make our workplaces more productive, innovative and competitive.
Sector councils have led the way in anticipating and planning workplace adjustment. Across Canada some 30 national sector councils bring business and labour together in key industries to identify and address human resources and skills issues. Both textile and apparel sectors have used sector councils to help facilitate change.
Last spring Human Resources and Skills Development provided funding of $5.9 million to the Textiles Human Resources Council to improve the skill levels of the textile industry workforce and to encourage young people to consider the textile industry as a viable career option. The Apparel Human Resources Council received more than $3 million to promote the skill level of its existing workforce and to attract and retain a new generation of skilled workers.
I hope the foregoing amplifies how the government is committed to a thriving textile and apparel industry in Canada. By working with industry and showing Canadians that we care, we are building a society of opportunity for years to come.