March 22, 2000
(Human Resources and Employment)

BACKGROUNDER

Labour Market Development Council announced

•  Creation of a Labour Market Development Council was announced in the Speech from the Throne to ensure that our education system responds to the needs of our people and the economy.

• The council’s formation comes from the recent Jobs and Growth consultations, where stakeholders urged government to focus on preparing young people for the crucial role they will play in our future economy.

• The council will serve as an advisory body, and includes representation from government, industry, labour and post-secondary institutions.

• The council will act as a forum for the exchange of information, identify key issues and challenges, advise government on policy, and serve as an umbrella advisory board in the formulation of a labour market development strategy.

• Government committed to the development of a labour market development strategy in the Strategic Social Plan.

• The council will report to government through an ad-hoc committee of ministers, chaired by Julie Bettney, Minister of Human Resources and Employment.

Media contact: Marcia Porter, Communications, (709) 729-4062.

2000 03 22