Ministers Continue High Level Engagement with Municipal, Industry and Union Groups in Labrador West

Executive Council
Advanced Education and Skills
Innovation, Business and Rural Development
February 18, 2014

Provincial Government Working with Communities in Labrador West

Cabinet Ministers and Provincial Government officials today held a series of meetings with stakeholders in Wabush to continue efforts to collaborate and support communities and employees impacted by the idling of the Wabush Scully Iron Ore Mine.

“Our meetings today provided an opportunity to listen and discuss the challenges of those impacted by the idling of the Wabush Mine. It is important that we work in partnership with the towns, union and workers to develop strategies, and provide support programs and services. We are committed to providing supports ‎and identifying initiatives that will create a strong, versatile regional economy for the long term.”
– The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills

Meetings were held with representatives of the Towns of Wabush and Labrador City, Chamber of Commerce, and Steelworkers Union to discuss challenges and concerns, identify supports available, and begin the process to move forward. The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills, along with the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, and the Honourable Darin King, Minister Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency, attended the meetings.

“It is important to have open discussions with our partners in Labrador West, and to sit down face to face with ministers who represent departments that provide programs, services and assistance to employees, towns and key stakeholders.  The message delivered to us was clear; people want to stay and work in Labrador West and we are committed to providing supports to ensure that those impacted can capitalize on opportunities and leverage the rich assets that the region offers.”
– The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs

Today’s meetings were a first step in the Provincial Government’s long-term commitment to assisting the displaced workers of Labrador West. While there are many provincial programs and services that are currently being investigated, the Department of Advanced Education and Skills has begun an employee and skills assessment inventory of impacted workers, which will help match employees’ needs to the services offered through the department. In addition, the department plans to hold information sessions for impacted workers on the various supports and re-training options available.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government held meetings with representatives of the Towns of Wabush and Labrador City, Chamber of Commerce, and Steelworkers Union today in Wabush to discuss challenges and concerns, and identify supports available from the Provincial Government as a result of the idling of the Wabush Mine.
• Working together with impacted stakeholders, the Provincial Government Departments of Advanced Education and Skills; Natural Resources; Innovation, Business and Rural Development; and, the Labour Relations Agency, will ensure programs, services and supports are available to target opportunities for new economic activity and to develop a plan for the future.
• Cliffs Natural Resources announced on February 17 its intention to idle its mining and processing operations at the Wabush Scully Iron Ore Mine.
• The Wabush Scully Iron Ore Mine is a major employer in the region, second only to the Iron Ore Company of Canada. The mining and processing operation employs approximately 450 individuals.

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Media contacts:

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

Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Office
709-729-3015, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca

Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 697-4137
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca

Luke Joyce
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 725-4165
lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca

2014 02 18

NT4