The following statement was issued by the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

It is my pleasure to congratulate Team Newfoundland and Labrador 2009 on bringing home seven medals from the 15^th Annual Canadian Skills Competition,　which was held last week in Charlottetown, PEI.

Over 500 of the best and brightest high-school, post-secondary and apprenticeship students from every province and territory competed in forty competitions for the honour of being named the best in the country. The Canadian Skills Competition is organized by Skills Canada to profile technology and trade careers.

The Provincial Government is a proud supporter of Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador and of the Canadian Skills Competition.

In addition, the Department of Education provides a contribution　to Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador to offer Skills Work for Women Conferences which promote skilled trades and technologies to young women as first choice career options. As well, the department provides $15,000 in travel grants to students from off the Avalon to attend the provincial competitions.　 The Department of Education also partners with Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador and the Career Planning Centre to deliver the Teachers Ambassador Program, offering teachers an opportunity to job shadow and learn about careers in skilled trades and technologies and bring that knowledge into the system through the sharing of developed curriculum.

I would now like to take a moment to announce our award winners from this year's Canadian Skills Competition.

Bronze award winners were Donald Bradley, Jason Garland and Sarah Norris. Silver awards went to Jessica McErlean, Hannah Green and Claire Hopkins. And I am pleased to announce that Andrew Power of CBS was the recipient of a gold medal award. A College of the North Atlantic student, Andrew was awarded the Best of Region Award, which goes to the competitor with the highest mark in the province.

I know I speak for my honourable colleague, the Minister of Education, and indeed for all Members of this Honourable House when I offer each award winner congratulations on a job well done.

2009 05 27                                               2:30 p.m.