More than 25,000 students will descend on college and university campuses throughout Newfoundland and Labrador today as the province gears up for another school year. The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, spent time today with students registering for industrial trades at the Bay St. George campus of College of the North Atlantic, one of many registration and orientation sessions happening this week throughout the province.

"Over the past three years, we have committed $62.4 million to freeze tuition, to introduce up-front, needs-based grants, and to reduce interest on student loans to prime," said Minister Burke. "Education is fundamental to our growth and prosperity. Making our post-secondary system more affordable and accessible is one of the main goals of this government."

Minister Burke said that students throughout Atlantic Canada are taking note of the Provincial Government�s student aid initiatives. A recent report shows a 15 per cent increase in students coming from the Maritimes to study in this province, while the number of students leaving Newfoundland and Labrador to study elsewhere in Atlantic Canada has decreased by 54 per cent in the past five years.

"Newfoundland and Labrador is not the province it was two decades ago. Indeed, it is not the province it was even five years ago," said Minister Burke. "The tide has dramatically turned for the better in terms of job opportunities that are arising. Labour market conditions have significantly improved, with unemployment in marked decline and employment at a record high. To contribute to this growth, significant emphasis has also been placed this year on ensuring our public post-secondary institutions are prepared to meet the province�s labour market needs."

Since 2006, the Provincial Government has invested $53.8 million in the areas of apprenticeship, science and technology, programming, training and infrastructure. These investments have funded new programs at College of the North Atlantic, improved infrastructure and learning resources, and effectively doubled the number of seats in skilled trades at campuses throughout the province.

As a result, more people in the province are actively involved in skilled trades. Comparing 2007 to the previous year, there was a 65 per cent increase in the number of active apprentices, and a 20 per cent increase in the number of people writing the national apprenticeship exam to become certified journeypersons. The number of people receiving journeyperson certification increased by 41 per cent during the same time period. This is a clear indication that the implementation of the recommendations of the Skills Task Force report has laid the groundwork for the successful development of upcoming projects such as Hebron.

In addition, professional schools at MUN such as nursing, social work, and business will be expanded with an investment of $2.2 million. A new academic building is planned for Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, as well as new residences for both Grenfell and the St. John�s campuses, and renovations to all existing residences. Planning for a new Labrador West campus of College of the North Atlantic, which has a projected value of approximately $18 million, is continuing with an allocation of $750,000 this year.

"Our college and university are world-class facilities that are keeping pace with new technologies, research and development," added Minister Burke. "Graduates from either of these institutions have the foundation they need to succeed and to contribute to this province�s future. All the best to new and returning students and I wish them all a successful, productive and safe school year."

- 30 -

Media contact:
Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca