Executive Council
Advanced Education and Skills
Innovation, Business and Rural Development
February 18, 2014
Provincial Government Working with Communities in Labrador West
Ministers Continue High Level Engagement with Municipal, Industry and Union Groups in Labrador West
Cabinet Ministers and Provincial Government officials today held a series of meetings with stakeholders in Wabush to continue efforts to collaborate and support communities and employees impacted by the idling of the Wabush Scully Iron Ore Mine.
“Our meetings today provided an opportunity to listen and discuss
the challenges of those impacted by the idling of the Wabush Mine. It is
important that we work in partnership with the towns, union and workers to
develop strategies, and provide support programs and services. We are
committed to providing supports and identifying initiatives that will
create a strong, versatile regional economy for the long term.”
- The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education
and Skills
Meetings were held with representatives of the Towns of Wabush and Labrador City, Chamber of Commerce, and Steelworkers Union to discuss challenges and concerns, identify supports available, and begin the process to move forward. The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills, along with the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, and the Honourable Darin King, Minister Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency, attended the meetings.
“It is important to have open discussions with our partners in
Labrador West, and to sit down face to face with ministers who represent
departments that provide programs, services and assistance to employees,
towns and key stakeholders. The message delivered to us was clear;
people want to stay and work in Labrador West and we are committed to
providing supports to ensure that those impacted can capitalize on
opportunities and leverage the rich assets that the region offers.”
- The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
Today’s meetings were a first step in the Provincial Government’s long-term commitment to assisting the displaced workers of Labrador West. While there are many provincial programs and services that are currently being investigated, the Department of Advanced Education and Skills has begun an employee and skills assessment inventory of impacted workers, which will help match employees’ needs to the services offered through the department. In addition, the department plans to hold information sessions for impacted workers on the various supports and re-training options available.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.
QUICK FACTS
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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 |
Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Office 709-729-3015, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
Heather MacLean Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 697-4137 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca |
Luke Joyce Director of Communications Department of Justice 709-729-6985, 725-4165 lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca |
2014 02 18 4:30 p.m.