Released on July 8, 2002
Saskatchewan Learning has approved $510,000 for the Forestry Training Sub-Committee to assist in training linked to employment in the forest
industry. Participants will become trained for a variety of jobs such as
process operators, heavy-duty mechanics, harvesters and log haulers.
Over the past two years, approximately 500 residents of the commercial
forest region have participated in forestry training programs supported by
the Forestry Training Sub-Committee (FTSC). The majority of the
participants are First Nations and Métis residents.
"The committee continues to allocate this funding to support training
projects linked to existing or emerging employment opportunities in the
forest industry," Learning Minister Jim Melenchuk said. "The Government is
proud to support our growing forestry industry and partner with agencies
who provide good local jobs and the opportunity to train for those jobs."
"This funding is an excellent example of our government's commitment to the
Northern Strategy," Northern Affairs Minister Buckley Belanger said. "The
involvement of northerners in new job creation is important for the entire
province."
"Together we are successfully linking people who reside in the commercial
forest region to training and employment opportunities. Developing the
forest sector is a shared responsibility among industry, government and
other stakeholders," Forestry Training Sub-Committee Chair Roman Orynik
said.
The Department of Learning's 2002-03 budget for forestry training is
$859,000. Last year, in addition to Saskatchewan Learning's contribution
to the FTSC, other stakeholders contributed $2.8 million in financial and
in-kind support for training to assist approximately 220 participants.
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For more information, contact:
Jacquie McLean Jim Ludwig
Communications Forestry Program Manager
Saskatchewan Learning Saskatchewan Learning
Phone: (306) 787-5609 Phone: (306) 953-2744