GOVERNMENT LABOUR MARKET PLAN SHOWCASED AT REGINA CHAMBER

Released on December 7, 2006

During a breakfast with the Regina Chamber of Commerce today, Advanced Education and Employment Minister Pat Atkinson explained how the Government is actively and aggressively implementing its strategy to ensure that Saskatchewan's economy has the skilled workers it needs to propel it to new heights.

"Saskatchewan's economy is experiencing such phenomenal growth that it is creating more job opportunities than we have skilled workers," Atkinson said. "We are implementing programs and initiatives aimed at attracting, developing and retaining people in Saskatchewan as part of our plan to make life better for all families, including new families, and to build a strong future here for everyone."

At the breakfast, the Minister outlined the steps the Government is taking to meet current labour market needs and grow the province such as:

• Making a total investment of $217 million in the training sector in 2006-07, which includes creating over 5,000 training opportunities this fiscal year to allow more learners than ever to access the opportunities they need; fulfilling another of the government's election commitments from 2003;

• Partnering with First Nations and Métis institutions to build more career opportunities for Aboriginal people right here at home;

• Raising awareness about careers in the trades and providing incentives, such as the Employees' Tool Tax Credit, for tradespeople to stay in the province;

• Implementing sweeping tax reforms to make Saskatchewan one of the most competitive and business friendly provinces in Canada;

• Giving a stronger voice to labour, business and the training sectors by passing legislation to establish the Saskatchewan Labour Market Commission;

• Enhancing and marketing SaskJobs.ca to spread the word about the opportunities we have to offer young people in Saskatchewan; and

• Inviting newcomers from around the world to share in Saskatchewan's booming economy through its strategy to attract 5,000 immigrants annually by 2008.

In the New Year, the Government's "Go Where the Jobs Are" marketing campaign will target Alberta's major cities.

"We are spreading our province's success story to road-weary, mortgage-laden, time-squeezed Albertans and inviting them to come, or come home, to Saskatchewan," Atkinson said.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Jill Tzupa Advance Education and Employment Regina Phone: 306-787-1331 Email: jtzupa@sasked.gov.sk.ca