Minister congratulates provincial winners at Canadian Skills Competitions

Sandra C. Kelly, Minister of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education, is pleased today to congratulate provincial winners at the 8th Canadian Skills Competitions held in Vancouver, British Columbia from May 31 to June 4.

There were five provincial winners at the Skills Competition. Michael Foley, College of the North Atlantic, won a silver medal in the category of Architectural Design; Hilary Fillier, Holy Spirit High School, won silver in Prepared Speech; Wayne Haynes, College of the North Atlantic, won a bronze medal in Refrigeration; Jamie Fitzpatrick, Ascension Collegiate High School, won bronze in Principles of Technology; and Christine Callahan, Gonzaga High School, won a bronze medal in Job Interview.

Minister Kelly was extremely pleased with the representation from Newfoundland and Labrador at the Competition. "As Minister for Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education, I am extremely proud of the competitors who represented our province at the Canadian Skills Competition," said Minister Kelly. "The Canadian Skills Competition provides a unique opportunity to promote skilled trades as a viable career option for youth. Career planning will be a priority for the Department of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education in the upcoming year to assist youth with career counseling and planning. As minister, I believe this message is particularly important given the expected future skills shortages resulting from the country�s and the province�s aging workforce and the anticipated numbers that will retire in the next five to 10 years. Skilled trades are essential to building and maintaining our place in today�s economy."

Newfoundland and Labrador had competitors in 38 trades and technology areas, including 18 post-secondary and 20 secondary. Several of the secondary competitions were team challenges.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-6573.

Photo#1: (L-R) Michael Foley, Jamie Fitzpatrick, Christine Callahan, Hilary Fillier, Minister Kelly and Wayne Haynes.

2002 06 10                             11:30 a.m.