Natural Resources
Human Resources, Labour and Employment
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
Municipal Affairs
February 17, 2009Ministers
Commence Meetings in Labrador West
A delegation of Cabinet Ministers has arrived in
Labrador West to begin a series of meetings with Wabush Mines, the Iron
Ore Company of Canada (IOC) and the municipal leaders of Labrador City
and Wabush.
In response to recent production roll backs and
lay-offs at Wabush Mines and suspension of IOC expansion plans, the
Ministers will meet with the affected companies and town councils to
listen to their concerns and discuss options for moving forward.
"This government is deeply concerned with the impact
of the global economic crisis on our industries," said the Honourable
Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. "We will continue to
work closely with towns, union and company leaders to ensure that we are
positioned to mitigate the impacts of this downturn in the short-term
and provide the foundation for growth and development in the long-term."
The Department of Human Resources Labour and
Employment (HRLE) is taking a lead role in assisting displaced workers
laid-off at Wabush Mines. HRLE is working in cooperation with other
provincial, federal, business and community partners to provide a suite
of labour market adjustment supports to assist impacted workers make the
transition to alternate employment. HRLE staff are available to assist
workers to fully explore their options. This includes individual
counseling, assistance with career planning, resume writing, job search,
interview preparation, labour market information, skills development,
and retraining.
"Since early December, my Department has been in
contact with the United Steelworkers of America, Local 6285, and based
on these discussions it was determined that employees would benefit from
further information on the suite of labour market adjustment services
and supports available in the area,"said the Honourable Susan Sullivan,
Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "I would encourage
all laid-off workers and their families to contact our office and speak
with our staff so we can get a better understanding of their needs."
The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador
Affairs and the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
also expressed their commitment to working with the people of Labrador
West.
"These meetings provide an important opportunity to
come together to find ways to deal with the economic situation facing
the people of Labrador City and Wabush," said the Honourable John
Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs. "While we seek solutions together,
we will also continue to move forward and invest in the people of
Labrador and their communities. In Labrador West, the coming year will
see significant infrastructure invested in the region as we move forward
with a number of construction projects, including the building of a new
hospital, a new campus for the College of the North Atlantic, and the
continuing expansion of the Trans Labrador Highway."
"We are here to work together and find solutions to
the troubling impact of the global economic downturn," said Minister
Pottle. "By coming together and having productive meetings within the
community, we can get a clearer picture of how best to meet the
challenges the people of Labrador West currently face."
The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal
Affairs, also offered the support of her department to area residents.
"This is obviously a challenging time for the
residents of Labrador West," added Minister Whalen. "The Department of
Municipal Affairs will work with these communities to ensure that their
municipal infrastructure needs continue to be met during these tough
times. We are also engaged in discussions with the municipal leaders of
Labrador City and Wabush about a possible amalgamation, which could
result in improved municipal services and cost savings for the entire
area."
Jim Baker, MHA for Labrador West, is also
participating in the meetings. "Today's meetings demonstrate the
commitment that this government has shown to Labrador City and Wabush,"
said Mr. Baker. "We have a valuable resource and a vibrant, skilled
workforce. I am confident that by working together, we will see Labrador
West recover from the impacts of this economic setback, and continue to
grow and thrive."
The meetings are in Wabush today and tonight and will
conclude in Labrador City Wednesday afternoon.
On Monday, February 16, HRLE, in conjunction with
partner agencies, hosted two information sessions that provided details
on the suite of labour market supports and services available for
laid-off individuals. Officials from HRLE and Service Canada provided
brief presentations on their respective programs and services. In
addition representatives from the Department of Innovation, Trade and
Rural Development, the Employment Assistance Services office, and the
College of the North Atlantic were in attendance to answer related
questions.
Wabush Mines workers requiring more information can
access HRLE services by visiting the Provincial Building in Wabush, or
calling 709-282-5313. As well, workers can contact the Labour Market and
Career Information Hotline, toll-free at 1-800-563-6600 or by e-mail
LMCIHotline@gov.nl.ca.
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