TOWARDS A LABOUR FORCE STRATEGY:
A FRAMEWORK FOR TRAINING FOR WOMEN

Introduction

In November 1985, in Halifax, First Ministers laid the groundwork for a coordinated, intergovernmental approach to women's equality in the work force by adopting a working paper entitled A Framework for Economic Equality for Women. The paper represented a concrete commitment to the goal of economic equality for women. As a first step, it was agreed that federal, provincial and territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women would develop a detailed strategy to address the special difficulties women face in acquiring new job skills.

From the beginning, it was understood that each jurisdiction would set its own course in the effort to achieve labour force equality for women. Beyond increasing the availability of training programs, it was also decided that governments would be able to choose from a range of policy and program options, including access to affordable child care, extension of existing maternity benefits, introduction of employment equity and pay equity legislation, and improvement of existing pension plans.

Training and skills development are often the only options open to women who want to improve their employment prospects. But training cannot be separated from the formal education system that establishes the basic foundation for women who will one day enter the work force. For this reason, governments agreed to address training and skill development in the broadest sense.

Intergovernmental Cooperation

To ensure the framework for action for equality in education and training becomes a reality, First Ministers direct that:

1. a joint federal-provincial-territorial meeting of Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women and Ministers with labour market responsibilities be held to implement the measures in the framework for action:
   
   
2. the Council of Ministers of Education review the progress made in implementing the relevant equality in education and training measures:
   
   
3. Ministers responsible for the Status of Women report to First Ministers at the next First Ministers' Conference on progress made in 1987.

Commitment to Action

At the 1985 Annual Conference of First Ministers, held in Halifax, First Ministers endorsed the principle of economic equality for women and set out the framework for an intergovernmental strategy for equality in the labour force. It was agreed that all governments would develop a detailed strategy to address the training needs of women. Improved access to relevant training will enable women to take full advantage of changing economic conditions. It is also understood that any investment for women will translate into increased economic benefits for all of society.

In endorsing the variety of measures outlined in the framework for action, First Ministers have reaffirmed their commitment to economic equality for women and have recognized that equality in education and training is a necessary first step to reaching this goal.

First Ministers recognize that outdated attitudes towards women's employment are responsible for many of the problems women face in the labour market. For this reason, they are committed to joining private and voluntary agencies in advancing women's economic equality. To ensure cooperation among all participants, governments will undertake a series of public education initiatives.

The framework for action is a crucial component of an overall labour force strategy. When implemented, the measures outlined here by First Ministers will help women gain access to , all aspects of learning and training. As a consequence of these actions, the women of Canada will advance towards economic equality.