Advanced Education and Skills
Executive Council
May 3, 2013
 

Ministers Reaffirm Budget 2013 Commitments for a Skilled Workforce in Labrador

The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice, and the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, today reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to building a skilled workforce in Labrador.
 
“Based on questions asked in the House of Assembly, the Third Party continues to demonstrate both its lack of understanding of issues pertaining to Labrador and the Provincial Government’s comprehensive set of initiatives to address them,” said Minister King. “Our government remains committed to ensuring that all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have access to important education and employment support services.”
 
Through Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future the Provincial Government is helping to ensure the people of Labrador have access to the most effective, efficient and affordable programming possible – including Adult Basic Education (ABE).
 
“Adult Basic Education students come from a variety of backgrounds,” said Minister King. “The many provisions in place for ABE students in Labrador under the new delivery model will continue to meet the diverse financial and educational needs of all students and be as inclusive as possible.”
 
Minister King noted that through Budget 2013, the Provincial Government is investing $6.7 million in the Labrador campuses of College of the North Atlantic in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Labrador West. Budget 2013 investments also include:

• $1.2 million to fund Memorial University’s Labrador Institute;
• $600,000 for grants for women and Aboriginals in apprenticeship;
• $471,254 for the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership (LATP) to train Aboriginal workers for upcoming large scale development projects such as Muskrat Falls; and,
• $240,000 to fund a Native Liaison Officer position at Memorial University.

“Since its release in 2007, the Northern Strategic Plan has been a living document, evolving with the changing needs of Labradorians and providing a solid foundation for continued social and economic development in Labrador,” said Minister McGrath. “Budget 2013 investments further build upon this plan which continues to guide Provincial Government initiatives and priorities in Labrador including those related to advancing educational and workforce opportunities for Labradorians.”
 

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Media contacts:

John Tompkins Director of Communications Department of Advanced Education and Skills 709-729-0753, 728-7762 jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

Roger Scaplen Director of Communications Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs Labrador Affairs Office 709-729-1674, 697-5267 rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca

2013 05 03                                        1:30 p.m.