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Human Resources, Labour and Employment Innovation, Trade and Rural Development January 12, 2009 Province Provides Information Sessions in Central The Provincial Government will be hosting information sessions for unionized employees affected by the closure of the AbitibiBowater Mill in Grand Falls-Windsor. The purpose of the information sessions is to provide employees with an opportunity to discuss and obtain information on topics such as career and financial planning and other questions that relate to their current employment situation. "Our government�s number one concern is the employees and their families who will be impacted by the closure of the mill," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment (HRLE). "As a result of a close working relationship with the unions, we have determined that employees need access to information on programs and services and they also need to have an opportunity to ask questions generally or about their specific circumstance." Representatives from various Provincial Government departments, Service Canada and the Canada Pension Plan will present information to the workers and be available to answer questions. As a result of the personal nature of these discussions, the sessions will not be open to the media or general public. Sessions for managers and non-unionized workers will be scheduled at a later date. In September, the Provincial Government established a Ministerial Task Force to support the community of Grand Falls-Windsor and the surrounding region. The task force is led by the Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and consists of the ministers of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, Education, Transportation and Works, and Natural Resources. The cross-representation of various departments enables the Provincial Government to explore multiple areas and streamline co-ordination to assist in developing a regional approach to diversifying and strengthening the economy. "The Provincial Government is working very closely with impacted communities and those affected by the mill�s closure," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and Chair of the Ministerial Task Force. "We are confident, that over time, our collective efforts will result in a healthy and vibrant region."Employees who would like additional information regarding the information sessions are advised to contact their union representatives or Brenda Cochrane with the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment at 709-729-5828 or brendacochrane@gov.nl.ca. - 30 - Media contacts:
2009 01 12 11:35 a.m. |
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