Government appoints new chair and members to the Labour Market Development Council

Ralph Wiseman, Minister of Human Resources and Employment, today concluded a meeting with the provincial Labour Market Development Council (LMDC). This was the first meeting of the LMDC under the newly appointed chair, Mr. Wayne Russell. This meeting sets the stage for soliciting the council�s input into the development of a provincial Labour Market Strategy, as recently announced in the 2002-2003 Budget Speech.

The creation of the Labour Market Development Council (LMDC) originated with the Renewal Strategy For Jobs and Growth consultations in the Fall of 1999 when stakeholders communicated the strategic importance of education and training for the further development of the economy, especially in newly emerging sectors of our economy. Presenters emphasized the importance of more effectively matching and coordinating education and training programs with existing and future industry needs.

"We have an excellent council with a new membership and chair who, together, bring to the table a broad range of expertise on labour market issues," said Minister Wiseman. "Though they may have different interests and perspectives, they all share a strong commitment to helping find innovative solutions."

The new chair, appointed May 22, is Mr. Wayne Russell, currently the Vice-President of Special Services with Johnsons Incorporated. Besides his corporate experience, he brings to the position more than 30 years in the educational system as a teacher, department head and high school principal. He has also served in several senior positions with the Newfoundland and Labrador Teacher�s Association, including serving as their Executive Director.

His prior public service includes serving with the Premier�s Advisory Committee on the Economy, the Educational Advisory Committee for the Economic Council of Newfoundland and Labrador and the National Issues Project of the Canadian Teachers� Federation.

"We are facing a time of opportunities, challenges and change in our economy and our demographics," said Minister Wiseman. "The economy, and the labour force needed to service it, is not the same as it was 10 years ago. Each month this year, the StatsCan total employment figures for the province have risen setting new records. It is essential that government works in collaboration with all the key partners that contribute to the effectiveness of our economy and the labour market. Ensuring a productive workforce with the right mix of knowledge, skills and abilities to capitalize on these emerging opportunities is our common priority."

Media contact: Simon N. Lono, Communications, (709) 729-4062.

Backgrounder
Labour Market Development Council

• The creation of the Labour Market Development Council (LMDC) originated with the Renewal Strategy For Jobs and Growth consultations in the Fall of 1999 when stakeholders urged government to ensure our post-secondary education and training system responds effectively to the needs of our people and economy.
• The LMDC reflects government�s policy of creating strategic partnerships among governments, business, labour, academia, and community-based organizations to achieve common goals and to build economic success.
• It was announced in the Speech from the Throne in the Spring 2000 to act as a forum for dialogue, collaboration and coordination among the partners to foster the active and broader participation of constituent groups to address strategic labour market issues.
• It will advise government during the formation of the Labour Market Strategy. The development of a Labour Market Strategy is a major commitment in the government of Newfoundland and Labrador's Strategic Social Plan.
• The council advises government in the development of policy that deals with labour market issues, primarily ensuring the development of the province's human resource base coincides with labour market demand.
• The LMDC draws its 12 person membership from the business, labour, education and social sectors with an ex-officio presence from government and was recently been expanded to include additional representation from the employer and labour sectors.
• The council reports to government through a committee of ministers chaired by Ralph Wiseman, Minister of Human Resources and Employment, and includes Kelvin Parsons, Acting Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development; Anna Thistle, Minister of Labour; and Sandra Kelly, Minister of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women

Labour Market Development Council

Chair:

• Mr. Wayne Russell, Vice-President of Special Services, Johnsons Incorporated

Members:

• Ms. Kay Lemessurier, Vice-President, Atlantic Franchise Schools Incorporated
• Mr. Liam Walsh, Chairperson, Canadian Federation of Students of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Dr. Evan Simpson, Vice-President Academic, Memorial University of Newfoundland
• Mr. Cyril Farrell, Director of Programs, College of the North Atlantic
• Ms. Elaine Price, President, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour
• Mr. Bert Blundon, Employee Relations Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees
• Ms. Lana Payne, Communications Officer, Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union/CAW
• Ms. Marilyn Tucker, President, Newfoundland and Labrador Employers� Council
• Mr. John Peddle, Executive Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Boards Association
• Ms. Nancy Healey, Executive Director, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador
• Mr. George Clements, Premier�s Council on Social Development

2002 05 30                         10:25 a.m.