NWT Labour Force Development Framework 2010-2020

Ministers' Statements and Speeches

October 25, 2010 - The Minister of Education, Culture, and Employment, Jackson Lafferty, announced that the Department is working on a NWT Labour Force Development Framework that looks ahead to the next 10 years.


Mr. Speaker, one of the key priorities of the 16th Legislative Assembly is a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices.

Labour force development, career counselling and employment supports are ways in which the Department of Education, Culture and Employment works toward achieving this priority. Today, I wish to inform Members of some recent new initiatives in this regard.

Mr. Speaker, the Department is working on a NWT Labour Force Development Framework that looks ahead to the next 10 years.

This Framework is for all labour market stakeholders in the Northwest Territories: business, industry, all levels of government, non-government organizations, employees, the unemployed and the under-represented in the workforce.

Over the past three months, the Department has been consulting with our partners across the Northwest Territories to come up with a shared vision and common goals and objectives.

The Framework is a guide for all labour market stakeholders. It is a tool for working in partnership and a guide to making decisions and coordinating limited resources.

As well, Mr. Speaker, the Framework builds a structure of monitoring and reporting, so partners can measure successes and respond collectively to emerging labour market trends and key labour force challenges throughout the territory.

The Framework will guide regional labour force activities to help the Northwest Territories to respond to economic opportunities through 2020 and beyond.

One initiative to support labour force development is the Small Community Employment Supports Program which began in April 2010.

The Committee on Sustainability of Rural and Remote Communities developed the Small Community Employment Supports Program. This is a $350,000 employment incentive program for employers in small and remote communities to provide employment opportunities for youth ages 15 – 29 during the summer season. The program provides youth an opportunity to gain work experience and acquire skills that lead to greater independence. Wage and training subsidies are available to employers offering essential employment skill development. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that 27 employers in 19 communities accessed the program, helping 98 youth. Strong communication between regional ECE Service Centre staff and local community members built the success of this program.

In the fall and winter, funds will be available for youth who are out of school. This allows eligible employers to take full advantage of the program year round.

The nature of the Small Community Employment Supports Program allows meaningful partnerships with private sector employers and non-government organizations. It is one example of how this Government is preparing and developing our future labour force.

Masi Mr. Speaker.


For more information, contact:

Press Secretary
Office of the Premier/Cabinet
Government of the Northwest Territories
Phone: (867) 669-2302