LABOUR MARKET COMMISSION TABLES FINAL REPORT

With an eye on the future of Saskatchewan's economy, the Saskatchewan Labour Market Commission (SaskLMC) has submitted its final report - one that will provide a foundation for the provincial Labour Market Strategy.

The report focuses on three themes - Information and Communication; Workforce and Workplace Enhancement; and Attraction and Retention of Highly Skilled Individuals - and makes 19 high-level recommendations to government in these areas.

"I appreciate the efforts of the SaskLMC, especially regarding the advice offered about labour market development in Saskatchewan," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "Some of the recommendations put forward by the commission are already being acted upon by government while others are helping with program analysis and strategic planning."

"The recommendations made by the commission members in their report speak directly to the heart of key economic issues for Saskatchewan," Enterprise Saskatchewan Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "Development and retention of a skilled work force is integral to the prosperity and growth of this province and businesses, and absolutely necessary if we want to sustain this growth. The SaskLMC has made an important contribution toward the development of our economy."

"Over the next decade, Saskatchewan will experience a time when we have more jobs than people," SaskLMC Co-Chairs Larry Hubich and Holly Hetherington said. "Our Labour Market Strategy is focused on getting the right workers, in the right place, at the right time. We must act now. Waiting would be counter-productive to our communities and our economy."

As a next step in the province's labour market development efforts, Enterprise Saskatchewan is working to establish the new Sector Issues Council. The Council will provide key advice on all stages of the new Labour Market Strategy, from development through execution. The Sector Issues Council is expected to hold its first meeting in September 2009.

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For more information, contact:

Joanne Johnson
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regian
Phone: 787-7967
Email: joanne.johnson@enterprisesask.ca

Chris Jones-Bonk
AEEL
Regina
Phone: 798-3106
Email: chris.jones-bonk@gov.sk.ca