Twenty-five groomer operators throughout Labrador recently had the opportunity to upgrade their essential winter survival skills and certification due to an investment of $134,000 from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"This initiative will help ensure that these 25 employees will be able to operate within their workplace with the very best training available to them," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "Along with increasing safety awareness, the training will also help ensure consistent quality of the trails across Labrador."

The training initiative was carried out in partnership with the White Wolf Snowmobile Club in Labrador City, where world leaders in survival training delivered the four-day Winter Survival Certification program. The 25 participants had access to the industry and occupational certification training they required to maintain necessary skills related to their employment and promote greater workplace safety.

"Groomer operators often carry out their duties under the challenging weather conditions that can come with a Labrador winter, which is why today's funding announcement is welcome news for all Labradorians," said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs. "The Provincial Government supports efforts to ensure groomer operators are able to do their important work as safely as possible. The skills and certification training secured by this funding will help to ensure that."

"The training course was a very worthwhile project which was badly needed," said Todd Kent, Director of the White Wolf Snowmobile Club in Labrador City. "In talking with the operators, all indicated that they were impressed and that they had learned some very valuable information."

Funding for the training comes from the Labour Market Agreement. The LMA addresses existing gaps in employment training and helps develop a skilled workforce to improve competitiveness throughout the province.