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

Provincial Government Highlights Youth
Retention and Attraction Strategy Initiative: Experience Labrador

I rise today to inform this Honourable House about the great success of one of our government's initiatives aimed at making Newfoundland and Labrador a province of choice for our young people to live and work.

As part of our Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy, the Williams Government recently committed $60,000 to help expose the province's youth to the diverse cultures, traditions, and employment opportunities available to them in Labrador

We understand that the most effective way to understand diverse cultures is to "share space." And with that knowledge, earlier this month, 24 young people from the island spent five days in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, talking to Aboriginal elders, learning Inuktitut, taking survival instruction, visiting nearby communities such as Sheshatshiu and going on outdoor excursions.

These young people not only experienced the history and culture of Labrador first-hand, but they were also exposed to its present economic success and future potential as a result of attending presentations by Nalcor, the Iron Ore Company of Canada and Aurora Energy.

To quote one of the youth participants, "Experience Labrador was amazing—the trip, the people, everything about it. I couldn't ask for a better experience, and I now know that there are many more amazing opportunities and things to see."

This government considers investments in our youth a key priority — and this focus is a provincial one, not just here on the island. I'm sure I speak for my colleagues the Minister of Labrador Affairs and the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs when I say that it is extremely important for our next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs to know that Labrador is a place where you can build your career and follow your dreams.

This trip was organized by the many enthusiastic employees of Futures In Newfoundland and Labrador Youth, known as FINALY! They strive to provide participants with rewarding experiences and awareness of future opportunities for employment across the province.

This government's commitment to FINALY is another example of how we are creating a province of choice for young people here in Newfoundland and Labrador.

In closing, I encourage all members of the Honourable House to stay tuned for future initiatives aimed at ensuring we have the solid foundation we need to attract and retain young skilled workers, as we continue our future growth and prosperity in Newfoundland and Labrador.

2010 05 05                         2:20 p.m.