Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
November 20, 2017

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour:

Minister Hawkins Provides Update on Workforce Innovation Centre

Mr. Speaker, the Workforce Innovation Centre at College of the North Atlantic’s Corner Brook campus supports innovative research and projects to help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians gain and maintain sustainable employment. Four inaugural projects have now been selected to share more than $1.7 million in funding.

These projects were selected based on their alignment with our government’s vision for private sector job creation and economic development in The Way Forward and our Immigration Action Plan. Priority was also given to projects that address emerging issues and support the ongoing efforts of the Cabinet Committee on Jobs, especially building a skilled aquaculture, agriculture, and technology workforce.

Mr. Speaker, the Genesis Centre will explore ways to increase the number of female and immigrant technology entrepreneurs; Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador will support rural workers who wish to transition to the tourism sector; the Social Research and Demonstration Corporation will deliver an innovative aquaculture training model for entry-level positions; and the Association for New Canadians, in partnership with Memorial University’s Grenfell Campus, will implement a program connecting refugees with agriculture employment opportunities.

By tapping into the passion, ingenuity, and exciting new ideas of these partners, the Workforce Innovation Centre will help us build a stronger, more diversified economy and an even brighter future for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you.

2017 11 20                              1:55 p.m.