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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