Released on July 11, 2007
Members of the new Saskatchewan Labour Market Commission (SLMC) were announced today, marking the official beginning of its work to attract, develop and retain people for the province's growing labour market.
"Our booming economy has led to record employment levels in the province, and it's important that we have the people with the right skills to fill the right jobs to meet the growing needs," Advanced Education and Employment Minister Warren McCall said. "The SLMC brings together a broad range of leaders from throughout the province, who will explore the many opportunities for us to respond to our province's changing economy and labour market needs. Our government plans to give our stakeholders the tools to get the job done in Saskatchewan's hot labour market."
The commission, which was created through legislation in March 2007, brings together influential representatives from labour, business, First Nations and Métis, the social economy, the training system and government. The SLMC will provide strategic advice directly to government on substantive provincial, regional and sectoral labour market trends, issues and strategies.
The SLMC will be co-chaired by Saskatchewan Federation of Labour president Larry Hubich, and Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce second vice-president Holly Hetherington. Commission members will be actively involved in recommending workable and sustainable solutions to Saskatchewan's labour market challenges.
"The SLMC was formed because labour market planning and co-ordination is best achieved through a partnership between business, labour, education and training institutions, government and other stakeholders," Hubich said. "Our job will be to ‘connect-the-dots' within Saskatchewan's labour market and provide an industry-driven focus on the province's key strategic labour market issues. To achieve this, we will need to communicate and consult with key stakeholders all over Saskatchewan."
"I am pleased to work with a group of Commission members who represent labour and business, First Nations and Métis, training and knowledge-building institutions and government," Hetherington said. "My colleagues represent industries critical to Saskatchewan's economy, including manufacturing, natural resources, agriculture, information technology and small business. We look forward to providing advice to the minister on provincial, regional and sectoral labour market issues, trends and strategies and to establishing linkages to regional and sectoral planning bodies."
There are a total of 19 commission members who will meet on a quarterly basis at locations throughout the province.
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For more information, contact:
Chris Jones-Bonk
Advanced Education and Employment
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3106
Email: cjonesbonk@sasked.gov.sk.ca