Employment and Training

The following guide on Employment and Training is a document designed to help you navigate through some of the most common Federal and Provincial government employment and training programs available in New Brunswick. Although many of your questions will be answered in this document, the list given here is by no means exhaustive.

Before proceeding, reference should be made to the Business Start-up in New Brunswick Guide for information on the steps involved in establishing a new business in New Brunswick. You may also want to consult our complete List of New Brunswick Guides.

Note:  You will notice that throughout this publication, there are some references made to other relevant documents ("see the document...")  If you are using the Web, simply click on the links provided. If you are reading this publication from a print copy and would like to obtain those additional documents, please call  Canada Business - New Brunswick  at 1-888-576-4444 and we will provide you with copies.

For further information on individual programs identified herein, contact the respective governing body or the Canada Business - New Brunswick. Because this document is only meant as a guide, the Canada Business - New Brunswick will not accept responsibility for business decisions made based on the information provided.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Financial Assistance

1.1  Youth Employment Strategy
1.2  Career Focus Program
1.3  Workforce Expansion
1.4  Student Entrepreneurship (SEED Program)
1.5  Work Ability

2. Management Services

2.1  Service Canada Centres
2.2  Employment Services Program
2.3  Labour Market Information (LMI)

3. Regulations

3.1  Labour Program
3.2  Record of Employment (ROE)
3.3  Payroll Deductions
3.4  Social Insurance Number (SIN)
3.5  Protection of Personal Information: Your Responsibilities

4. Other

4.1  Human Resources Management
4.2  NB Jobs
4.3  Wage Gap Reduction Initiative

5. Canada Business - New Brunswick

1.  Financial Assistance

1.1  Youth Employment Strategy
The Government of Canada created the Youth Employment Strategy to help young Canadians (15 to 30) obtain career information, develop skills, find good jobs and stay employed.  This national strategy offers a broad range of initiatives under three programs:

For more information, visit the Youth Employment Strategy Web site at:
http://www.youth.gc.ca/yoaux.jsp?&lang=en&flash=1&ta=1&auxpageid=707 or contact the Youth Info Line at 1-800-935-5555.

1.2   Career Focus Program
Career Focus provides funding for employers to help post-secondary graduates obtain career-related work opportunities in Canada, to support their development of advanced skills, to help them make career-related links to the job market, and to assist them in becoming leaders in their field. Career Focus offers youth a range of work experiences, learning and skill-building activities to help them choose careers and to encourage them to pursue advanced studies.

For more information, see the document  Career Focus Program  or visit Human Resources and Social Development Canada's Web site at http://www1.servicecanada.gc.ca/en/epb/yi/yep/newprog/career.shtml.

1.3  Workforce Expansion
The Workforce Expansion program provides wage subsidies to eligible employers that intend to create permanent employment, or annually recurring seasonal jobs, in New Brunswick as well as assistance to eligible individuals to help them start their own business or become self-employed.

The Workforce Expansion program has two components:

For more information, see the document PETL-Employer Wage Reimbursement.

• Self Employment Benefits
  Self Employment Benefits can offer you various types of assistance during the start-up period of your business. Assistance can include coaching, ongoing technical advice and financial support. A Self Employment Benefits Coordinator hired by Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour will help you develop a business plan and guide you through the necessary steps to get your business up and running.

For more information, see the document PETL-Self Employment Benefits.

For further information on the Workforce Expansion program, see the document  PETL-Workforce Expansion, call 506-453-3818 or visit the provincial Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Web site at:  http://www.gnb.ca/0311/index-e.asp.

1.4  Student Entrepreneurship ( SEED Program)
Student Entrepreneurship is one of the three components of the Student Employment and Experience Development (SEED) Program.

Student Entrepreneurship  can provide you with assistance to start a summer business, including an interest-free loan of up to $3,000. The loan must be repaid by October 15th (if paid in full, you may qualify for a one-third reimbursement). Launch a painting business, a retail operation, a lawn care service… choose an interest with market demand.

For additional information on Student Entrepreneurship, see the document  PETL-Student Entrepreneurship (SEED) , call 506-453-3818 or the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour nearest regional office. Or visit the Web site at: http://www.gnb.ca/0311/index-e.asp .

1.5  Work Ability
Although the Work Ability program clients are normally hosted by municipalities, non-profit groups and provincial government departments, private sector employers may participate. As the employer, you must be able to provide the experience and skills development for the duration identified in the participant's employment action plan and be willing to complete a participant assessment.

In addition, a number of other guidelines apply to this program. They are:

• approvals are not automatic and are based on the needs of the unemployed client as identified in their employment action plan, which is mutually determined by the unemployed client and the Employment Counselor;
• funding is only available in instances where the jobs are in addition to regular employment levels;
• funding can not be used to convert part-time positions to full-time positions;
• funded jobs can not displace or replace existing staff or volunteers who are on layoff, vacation or parental leave;
• funded jobs can not be paid exclusively by commission or piece rate basis;
• funds can not be used to create jobs already funded under another government program;
• family members, or officers or directors of the applying organization, can not be hired to fill positions funded through the Work Ability program;
• funded jobs must comply with all provisions of collective agreements between the employer and unions.

Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour will reimburse the employer minimum wage (to a maximum of 40 hours per week), plus the employer's share of benefits. The employer is responsible to pay the Workplace, Health, Safety and Compensation Commission premiums. We encourage employers to top-up wages whenever possible.

For additional information on the Work Ability program, call 506-453-3818 or the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour nearest regional office. You may also see the document  PETL-Work Ability, or visit the Employment Programs Internet site at: http://www.gnb.ca/0311/3ee-e.asp.

2.  Management Services

2.1  Service Canada Centres
Service Canada Centres (SCCs) deliver the Employment Insurance and Social Insurance Number programs. S CCs also deliver a variety of employment related programs and services. The programs and services may vary by province or territory, depending on/or if there is a Labour Market Development Agreement between Canada and the province or territory.

For further information, please call your local Service Canada Centre (check the Government of Canada listings in the blue pages of your telephone directory for Centres in your area) or visit the Web site:
www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/gateways/nav/top_nav/our_offices.shtml .  

2.2  Employment Services Program
Sometimes individuals need help to enter and stay in the labour force. Similarly, employers may require help to ensure the viability and sustainability of their workforce. Through the Employment Services Program, Post-Secondary Education and Training provides the financial and professional support needed to ensure the labour force needs of New Brunswick employers and workers are met.

The Employment Services program helps by:

• supporting employers, employee or employer associations, community groups and communities in developing and implementing strategies for dealing with labour force adjustments and meeting human resource requirements,
• assisting individuals with disabilities to gain access to training and employment by contributing to the cost of essential support services, and
• assisting unemployed individuals overcome employment barriers.

For additional information on the program, call 506-453-3818 or the Department of Post-Secondary Education and Training nearest regional office. You may also see the document PETL-Adjustment Services,  or visit the provincial Department of Post-Secondary Education and Training Employment Programs Internet site:   http://www.gnb.ca/0311/index-e.asp.   

2.3   Labour Market Information (LMI)
Human Resources and Social Development Canada provides labour market information at national, regional, and local levels. Information is available on prevailing wages rates, employment opportunities, industries, occupations, employers, training, and community assets.  Labour market information can assist a job seeker in finding work, someone planning a career to make their career decision, or an employer in their human resource planning or staff recruiting.

For further information, see the document  Labour Market Information or visit the LMI (Labour Market Information) Web site at http://www.gnb.ca/0126/index-e.asp. You may also call the provincial Labour Market Analysis Branch of the Department of Post-Secondary Education and Training at 506-457-4859.

3.  Regulations

3.1  Labour Program
The Labour Program promotes and enforces employer and employee compliance with Part III of the Canada Labour Code (Labour Standards) and the Fair Wages and Hours of Labour Act (Fair Wages). Services through local and regional offices include inspections, investigations of complaints and unjust dismissals; client education; and provision of informational material.

For further information, please call the Labour Program office in Moncton at 506-851-6640. You may also see the document Labour Standards in the Federal Jurisdiction Workplace  or visit the Web site at www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/gateways/nav/top_nav/program/labour.shtml.

3.2  Record of Employment (ROE)
The Employment Insurance Act and its regulations require every employer to complete a Record of Employment when an employee stops working. This is considered an interruption of earnings. This happens when the employment ends, or an employee leaves because of pregnancy, injury, illness, adoption leave, layoff, leave without pay, or dismissal.

For further information, see the document Record of Employment (ROE) or visit the following Web site: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/gateways/topics/rxr-gxr.shtml.

3.3  Payroll Deductions
As an employer, you are responsible for deducting Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions, Employment Insurance (EI) premiums and income tax from remuneration or other types of income you pay, remitting them to us and reporting them on the applicable slips.

For more information, call 1-800-959-5525 or visit Canada Revenue Agency's Web site at: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/business/sme/menu-e.html.

3.4  Social Insurance Number (SIN)
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned to an individual and used in the administration of various programs, namely, Employment Insurance and the Canada Pension Plan. Employers who want to remit income tax deductions and premiums based on an employee's income must ensure that the employee produces a SIN card within three days after being hired.

For further information on Social Insurance Numbers, please call the Service Canada Centre near you. You will find the number listed in the blue pages of your telephone directory, under Government of Canada. You may also see the document Social Insurance Number - SIN or visit the Web site at: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/en/sin/employers/responsibilities.shtml.

3.5  Protection of Personal Information: Your Responsibilities
The Guide to Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) helps businesses understand their obligations and comply to the Act. Since January 1, 2005, the PIPED Act covers the collection, use or disclosure of personal information in the course of all commercial activities in Canada, except in provinces which have enacted legislation that is deemed to be substantially similar to the federal law.

For more information, see the document Protection of Personal Information - Your Responsibilities, call toll-free 1-800-282-1376 or visit the Web site: www.privcom.gc.ca/information/guide_e.asp.

4.  Other

4.1  Human Resource Management
Human Resources Management (HRM) is a Web site that offers a one-stop source of information for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to save time and money in meeting their human resource related needs and developing their business management skills. Everything from hiring subsidies, employment standards and recruitment services to statistics, studies and strategies for growth can be found on this useful site.

For more information, see the document  HR for Employers, or visit the HRM Web site at: http://www.hrmanagement.gc.ca/gol/hrmanagement/site.nsf/en/index.html.

4.2  NB Jobs
Be yourself. Belong. Be Better. is a Government of New Brunswick Initiative that's reaching out to all New Brunswickers. The focus is on its Web site (http://www.nbjobs.ca) where employers can post their job openings and career-oriented people can check out job opportunities.

All New Brunswick employers are invited to participate. The cost of a career posting is $375 for a 60-day exposure. For companies in continuous recruitment mode, there is an option to purchase a corporate profile, which gives a company a variety of posting options.

For additional information or if you wish to post current openings, please call toll-free 1-877-8NBJobs or 1-877-862-5627, e-mail positions to NBJobs@CareerBeacon.com or visit the Web site: http://www.nbjobs.ca.

4.3  Wage Gap Reduction Initiative
The Wage Gap Reduction Initiative in partnership with stakeholders is an innovative Government of New Brunswick program comprised of a range of strategies aimed at achieving greater economic prosperity through addressing the wage gap.

In June 2005, Facing the Economic Imperative: New Brunswick's Five Year Wage Gap Action Plan (2005-2010) was launched to address New Brunswick's looming labour and skills shortages by better employing a largely under-utilized resource – women.

New Brunswick's demographics point to not only a shrinking labour force, but also a rise in demand for skilled workers. An increase in skilled workers is critical to sustain our economy. Women are a key element of the solution because they represent nearly half the labour force, yet many are not employed to their full potential. It has been proven that strategies to reduce the wage gap also increase the number of skilled workers, create a stable workforce and improve a company's bottom line.

For more information, visit the Wage Gap Reduction Initiative's Web site at:
http://www.gnb.ca/0012/Womens-Issues/wg-es/index-e.asp or call 1-888-576-4444.

5.   Canada Business - New Brunswick

Canada Business - New Brunswick  is an innovative partnership of federal and provincial government departments. Both levels of government work with key private-sector organizations to create a seamless information network for entrepreneurs.

Our mission is to improve the start-up, survival and growth rates of small and medium sized enterprises by giving business people in every part of New Brunswick access to accurate, timely and relevant information and referrals.

What can we do for you? We can guide you in the right direction! We can give you the information you need! We are your best source of comprehensive business information!

Canada Business - New Brunswick is accessible province-wide and free of charge. You may reach us through our toll-free number or visit us with your questions. Our office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. We also provide a 24-hour business information service, seven days a week, through our Web site.

Here's how to reach us:  

Canada Business - New Brunswick
Ground Floor, Barker House
570 Queen Street
Fredericton, New Brunswick  E3B 6Z6
Telephone: 506-444-6140
Fax: 506-444-6172
Toll-free (information): 1-888-576-4444
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired): 1-800-457-8466
E-mail: infonb@canadabusiness.ca
Web site: http://www.canadabusiness.ca/nb
Hours of operation: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday thru Friday - except Government holidays

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

Links Policy
Some of the hypertext links lead to non-federal government sites which are not subject to the Official Languages Act and the material is available in one language only.