Human Resources, Labour and Employment
April 12, 2011

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment:

New Web Portal Improves Access to Programs and Services for Young People

There was a time when navigating through the many programs and services our government delivers was challenging for residents. However, through numerous initiatives in recent years, our government has made this process easier and more manageable.

Members may recall that in support of the Poverty Reduction Strategy, the Provincial Government developed a Guide to Government Programs and Services. This book is now in its third edition with wide distribution and was complemented by a website last year. Now, through another initiative under Creating a Province of Choice: A Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador, we have once again delivered on this important commitment by developing a new online youth web portal.

Speaking the language that youth speak is crucial to get them to listen to what you have to say and offer. Our government has always believed in that concept. And since the launch of the Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy in November 2009, we have been communicating with our young people via Facebook, and other online tools such as YouTube. It has proven to be a huge success.

A further step in this well laid out plan has brought us to this moment. We are proud to announce the launch of our online youth web portal at www.youth.gov.nl.ca – a resource for youth to find out what the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer them and how to get involved.

It is indeed a great time to be a young person. This province has one of the lowest tuition rates in Canada. We have a strong and rapidly growing economy. We have endless opportunities knocking on our door. And our people have a government that has a vision and demonstrated commitment which will ensure we travel down the right path for the future. Most of all we have youth and other groups who will be the shining beacons of our success as they transition from school, to a rewarding career and life, right here in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Youth are undoubtedly the future of this province, its most valued investment – its most precious resource. Our government is proud to support them toward making Newfoundland and Labrador their final destination on their paths to success.

2011 04 12                                                        1:45 p.m.