CONSULTATIONS ON IMPROVING WORK OPPORTUNITIES LAUNCHED

The Commission on Improving Work Opportunities for Saskatchewan Residents released a consultation paper today and called on anyone who is interested in the issue to make a submission.

The paper, entitled Vulnerable Workers in Saskatchewan, outlines the barriers that face many Saskatchewan residents in achieving full work potential. The Commission is asking interested organizations and individuals to help them further understand the barriers and suggest possible solutions.

"The issues we are exploring are complex," Commission chairperson Lynne Pearson said. "We encourage organizations and individuals with an understanding of the issues, and ideas about the possible solutions, to come forward and share their knowledge with us."

The Commission was appointed by Labour Minister Deb Higgins in February to make recommendations to improve access by part-time and vulnerable workers to employment income, employment benefits and work opportunities in Saskatchewan. The other members are Fred Cuddington and Deb Thorn.

The deadline for making submissions to the Commission is October 15th, 2005. Submissions can be sent by email to vulnerableworkers@lab.gov.sk.ca or mailed to:

Commission on Improving Work Opportunities for Saskatchewan Residents
400 – 1870 Albert Street
Regina SK S4P 4W1

Consultation meetings will be held September 26th, 27th and 28th in Saskatoon and October 4th, 5th and 6th in Regina. Additional information about these meetings, and on the Commission's work, will be placed on the Commission's website at: www.labour.gov.sk.ca/vulnerableworkers.

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For More Information, Contact:

Lynne Pearson Commission on Improving Work Opportunities Saskatoon Phone: (306) 966-4786