Provincial Government Investments in College of the North Atlantic
Support Economic Development, Persons with Disabilities

The Honourable Joan Shea, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills, today outlined how Provincial Government investments in College of the North Atlantic support economic development in Labrador and ongoing services for students with disabilities. The clarification was necessary due to inaccuracies distributed by the Third Party.

“Yesterday, the Third Party demonstrated its lack of understanding of Labrador, persons with disabilities, and College of the North Atlantic’s role in providing relevant training supports for development,” said Minister Shea. “The accusation that core training programs have been eliminated is misleading. To meet new and emerging regional and provincial labour force needs, the college is expanding offerings and introducing new programs at campuses throughout the province. At the same time, due to very low enrolment, there have been some programs cut from College of the North Atlantic at various campuses.”

Minister Shea noted that College of the North Atlantic is adding seven programs at the Happy Valley-Goose Bay campus: Environmental Monitor; Construction Craft Worker; Occupational Health and Safety; Truck Driver; Heavy Equipment Operator; Cook; and, Carpenter; that will require 11 additional instructors at the campus. All courses – except Cook and Carpenter – are contract training from Nalcor through the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership, which gives priority to Aboriginal persons. Also, through Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future, the Provincial Government is investing $5.8 million in the Labrador campuses of College of the North Atlantic in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Labrador West.

Despite assertions by the Third Party that supports for students with disabilities will be negatively impacted, CNA President Ann Marie Vaughan has clearly stated that any staff reductions will not affect services for individuals with disabilities.

“We have made a commitment to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that we will maximize every opportunity in our growing economy,” said Minister Shea. “That commitment includes providing post-secondary training that is inclusive, affordable, accessible, and is responsive to a growing demand for skilled labour.”

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

2013 05 16                                   10:10 a.m.