Human Resources, Labour and Employment
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
March 12, 2010
Governments Discuss
Opportunities to Improve
Labour Market Services on the North Coast of Labrador
This week, the Honourable
Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and
Employment, attended the spring session of the
Nunatsiavut Government in Hopedale, Labrador.
Accompanied by the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of
Aboriginal Affairs, Minister Sullivan presented to the
Nunatsiavut Assembly an overview of the Government of
Newfoundland and Labrador's labour market programs and
services available to residents of Inuit communities on
the North Coast.
"This was an excellent opportunity to engage
government-to-government in open dialogue about the
labour market challenges that exist on the North Coast
of Labrador," said Minister Sullivan. "The Department of
Human Resources, Labour and Employment offers an
extensive suite of employment and labour market services
to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. As a result of
Tuesday's meeting, Provincial Government officials will
immediately begin to work more closely with officials
from the Nunatsiavut Government as we move forward
together to ensure that residents of Inuit communities
in this area of the province are fully aware of these
programs and can take maximum advantage of the supports
that are available."
This event marks the first time that a Williams
Government Cabinet minister has presented to the
Nunatsiavut Assembly.
"I look forward to many positive outcomes from this
presentation," said Minister Pottle. "Minister Sullivan
not only expressed her department's commitment to
increasing capacity and resources on the North Coast,
but certainly opened the door for continued dialogue and
consultation between our governments."
The Speaker of the Nunatsiavut Assembly, Daniel Pottle,
said he was pleased to welcome Minister Sullivan to the
Assembly session.
"This was the first time that a provincial minister has
made a presentation to the Nunatsiavut Assembly, and we
were especially pleased with Minister Sullivan's
commitment to ensure Labrador Inuit are able to have an
equal opportunity to take advantage of labour market
support programs," said Mr. Pottle. "The Nunatsiavut
Government looks forward to working with Minister
Sullivan and her officials as we move forward in
addressing issues that affect Labrador Inuit. We also
look forward to continuing to build on the relationship
we have with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
and welcome similar presentations with other provincial
ministers in the future."
Minister Sullivan stated that as a result of this
meeting, there are a number of immediate action items
that would be implemented on the North Coast of
Labrador. This includes a pilot project to establish a
dedicated resource from the Department of Human
Resources Labour and Employment to service North Coast
communities, as well as a commitment to implement
further training for department staff currently working
in Labrador.
"While our discussions this week will certainly lead to
ongoing, long-term consultations and actions, I am
pleased that we are able to implement some necessary
changes right away," said Minister Sullivan. "I am
confident that increasing our capacity and awareness
efforts in this area of the province will bring us even
closer to our goal of ensuring that all Newfoundlanders
and Labradorians have access to the supports they need
to become full participants in our growing labour
force."
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Media contacts:
Jennifer Collingwood
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and
Employment
709-729-0753, 690-2498
jennifercollingwood@gov.nl.ca |
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-729-1674, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca |
Bert Pomeroy
Communications
Nunatsiavut Government
709-896-8582, ex.260
bert_pomeroy@nunatsiavut.com |
|
2010 03 12
10:40 a.m.