March 19, 1999
(Education)

The following statement was issued by Judy Foote, Minister of Education. It was also read in the House of Assembly on Thursday, March 18:

Labrador West Mining Centre of Excellence at CONA

The Labrador West campus of the College of the North Atlantic will be home to a new Mining Technology Centre. The "Mining Centre for Excellence" is expected to be operational in September in Labrador City.

The centre will be positioned to meet current and emerging training needs of industry through a modern facility which provides for well-designed mining technology training programs - providing the essentials of modern mining techniques for both new and experienced miners.

Support for this centre has been received from all significant partners including Human Resources and Development Canada, Industry Canada, ACOA, the provincial departments of Education, Human Resources & Employment and Development & Rural Renewal, federal Member of Parliament Lawrence O'Brien, and local MHA Randy Collins.

The proposal is being supported by College of the North Atlantic and industry by an in-kind contribution of approximately $500,000. The Federal/Provincial Labour Market Agreement has allocated $631,204 and ACOA will contribute $469,000.

The three iron ore mining companies in Labrador West and Voisey's Bay Nickel will identify the kind of courses required and work with College of the North Atlantic to determine the curriculum.

The training of individuals at this centre will ensure that they will be best-positioned to meet the emerging needs of the mining industry. The Mining Centre of Excellence will enhance social and economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you.

1999 03 19                                     9:15 a.m.