Released on December 10, 2003
A committee supporting employment and training opportunities in Saskatchewan's north is marking 20 years of accomplishment.In 1983, the Northern Labour Market Committee (NLMC) began as a group of people working in the labour market field. Since that time, the NLMC has expanded to an effective and respected forum to address employment, training and economic development issues in northern Saskatchewan.
The NLMC will be celebrating the 20th anniversary as part of its quarterly meeting December 10th and 11th in Prince Albert.
"The committee has been instrumental in helping build a skilled northern workforce," Learning Minister Andrew Thomson said. "Through initiatives like the Multi-Party Training Plan, the NLMC has supported training, hiring and continued employment of more than 1,500 workers in the forest and mining sectors since 1993."
The committee now has more than 80 participants, representing industry and employers, training institutions, funding agencies and northern communities. Working through 11 subcommittees, the NLMC has tackled issues in all sectors including education and training, mining, forestry, aviation, apprenticeship, health, information technology, tourism, oil sands development, small business and traditional economies.
"We are celebrating an important anniversary for community-based economic development in the North," Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford said. "We are working in partnership to connect northerners to jobs and economic development opportunities in the North – this is good for northerners and our economy in Saskatchewan."
"Over the 20-year life of the NLMC, committee membership has read like a "who's who" of northern participation and leadership," Northern Affairs Minister Buckley Belanger said. "There is a history here of dedication to resolving northern issues."
Northern Labour Market Committee – The First 20 Years, a booklet documenting the actions of the northern committee, was created to commemorate the anniversary.
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For More Information, Contact:
| John Charlton Northern Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-5061 Email: jcharlton@sna.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306)539-6771 | Gill Gracie Aurora Communications La Ronge Phone: (306)425-7280 |