The Provincial Government has further expanded the Career Work Centre Network with the opening of a new centre in Lewisporte. The Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, officially opened the new Career Work Centre today.

"This community-based Career Work Centre is an important component in the future success of our province," said Minister Skinner. "It is essential that all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have access to the employment information and resources they need to be a part of the growth and opportunity that currently exists and to plan for the future."

Career Work Centres provide individuals and employers direct access to labour market services. These services include training to help those seeking a career change or employment, understand emerging labour market trends; access to on-line tools and office equipment; and one-on-one assistance to research career options. Employers can use the Career Work Centres to find out about current labour market conditions in the region, province and across Canada. This up-to-date information will also give employers the information needed to predict and adjust to industry conditions.

"The opening of the Career Work Centre in Lewisporte is an incredible resource for our area residents," said Wade Verge, MHA for Lewisporte. "These Career Work Centres are as much about sharing needed information as they are about empowering communities to address local employment issues."

The expanded Career Work Centre Network is part of a series of Budget 2008 labour market initiatives. In addition to the $5.3 million invested in providing improved access to labour market information and career and employment services, the Provincial Government is providing $1.1 million to expand the Career Work Centre Network across the province. When the network is complete, there will be 14 Career Work Centres throughout the province.