Transportation and Works
May 4, 2015

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works:

Engaging Managers and Supervisors in Educational Opportunities

Mr. Speaker,I am pleased to rise in this Honourable House to reiterate the importance of providing learning opportunities to employees with the public service that focus on safety and consistency in the delivery of services.

Newfoundland and Labrador has a professional and dedicated public service working throughout the province. The Department of Transportation and Works has over 1,700 employees in a variety of fields. They are technicians, engineers, administrators, and policy analysts. There are those who pilot ferries, those who fly and maintain provincial aircraft, and those who maintain the over 10,000 kilometres of provincial roads.

These public service employees are our neighbours; they are the people that you see at your child's hockey practice or meet at the grocery store. They take an active role in our communities, but they are also dedicated to serving the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador in their professional capacities within the department.

Both as a government and as an employer we are committed to providing employees with opportunities to improve upon the skills they use to ensure that safety and consistency are key components of every job, every day.

With that in mind, a training program has been developed for Transportation and Works department supervisors, specifically maintenance and engineering project supervisors and operation supervisors. It is anticipated that the first sessions will be conducted over four days and will take place in late May.

This in-house training will ensure that department supervisors are working with the most up-to-date information regarding the department's highest standards for summer maintenance and winter maintenance, ice control, and safety practices.

Topics will include: an orientation on the knowledge, skills and abilities that are necessary to safely provide quality service to the public; the importance of communication and consistency in operations across the province; and the continued focus on employee safety and public safety.

I would like to express my support and encouragement tosupervisors and managers as they embark on this important and critical training to ensure the safe and effective delivery of public services.

Thank you.

2015 05 04                              1:55 p.m.