OTTAWA – The federal government has sent a counter-proposal on the Canada Job Grant to the provinces and territories that could pave the way for a deal on the controversial national job training program.

The offer from Employment Minister Jason Kenney, obtained by The Canadian Press, agrees to the two key demands from his provincial and territorial counterparts that have been the major obstacles to an agreement.

Kenney has reiterated to the provinces in his latest offer that they’re not required to match Ottawa’s contribution to the program.

The new offer, which Kenney describes as “final,” agrees with the “main request” by the provinces and territories and allows for maximum flexibility on funding.

That means, essentially, that the provinces and territories can use whatever federal funds they choose, rather than being forced to use money from so-called labour market agreements, in order to participate in the program.

The provinces and territories received the counter-proposal this morning.

If a deal is imminent, it would represent a significant feather in Kenney’s cap.

The prospects of a deal on the program were bleak just a few months ago. But provincial officials say Kenney was conciliatory in subsequent talks, while convincing the Conservative government to agree to concessions.

Follow Lee-Anne Goodman on Twitter at @leeanne25