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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.


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