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NLIS 3 August 13, 2003 (Mines and Energy) Government appoints Voisey�s Bay Monitor Mines and Energy Minister Walter Noel and Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Wally Andersen today announced the appointment of Donald Blake of Happy Valley-Goose Bay as the Voisey�s Bay monitor to oversee hiring practices at the Voisey�s Bay site in Labrador. Mr. Blake has worked in the mining industry for more than 20 years and has most recently worked as the environmental, health and safety monitor for the Innu Nation on the Voisey�s Bay project. "Government committed to establishing a Voisey�s Bay monitor earlier this year to ensure that the Voisey�s Bay Nickel Company�s (VBNC) adjacency principle was being followed," said Minister Noel. "Although government is confident that appropriate hiring practices are being followed, this will add another level of examination to the process. "Mr. Blake will be an employee of the Department of Mines and Energy and will work out of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. He will act as a liaison between VBNC and government, and will assist Labradorians when applying for positions at Voisey�s Bay. Mr. Blake will also provide analysis and advice to government on the VBNC adjacency principle. "There are currently more than 400 people working at the Voisey�s Bay site, many of whom are from Labrador. We will continue to ensure that VBNC fulfills its commitment that qualified Aboriginals, Labradorians and Newfoundlanders get first opportunity for these jobs." Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Wally Anderse said that the hiring of Mr. Blake will be good news for Labradorians. "Through Mr. Don Blake, the VBNC adjacency principle will be enforced and monitored to ensure that Labradorians will receive top benefits in the Voisey�s Bay project." Mr. Blake�s contract is effective immediately and he will work out of the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs office in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Media contact:
2003 08 13 10:30 a.m. |
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