Ministers comment on release of Working Together

Sandra C. Kelly, Minister of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education, and Ralph Wiseman, Minister of Human Resources and Employment, today commented on the national release of the paper Working Together to Strengthen Learning and Labour Market Training, which outlines a vision and immediate priorities for post-secondary learning and labour market training across the country.

"Our population is aging rapidly and it is important that we acquire a skilled and educated workforce to meet current and future demands," said Minister Kelly. "Student debt continues to be a priority for this government and recent changes to the provincial student loan program assist students in financing their post-secondary education while acquiring a manageable debt load. We feel strongly that the federal government must provide a new approach to student financial assistance and this report is a step in the right direction."

Priorities for action identified in Working Together include strengthening workforce development; enhancing post-secondary learning capacity; encouraging the full labour market participation of under-represented groups; and providing Internet access for on-line learning.

"Given our population changes we need to ensure the full labour market participation of under-represented groups, especially those who experience unique barriers to joining or re-joining the workforce," said Minister Wiseman.

Both ministers said while it is important to participate in national approaches such as those represented by Working Together, it is equally important to allow the flexibility to respond to the unique and urgent situations in different regions, and Working Together incorporates this consideration.

Media contact:

Tansy Mundon, Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education, (709) 729-6573
Simon Lono, Human Resources and Employment, (709) 729-4062

2002 10 09                                     12:15 p.m.