The provincial government today officially launched Creating a Province of Choice: A Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador.
According to a news release, the strategy has been developed in collaboration with youth with the intent of countering the impacts of out-migration, strengthening the labour market and supporting the economic development of the province.
“This strategy marks the beginning of a new era of partnership with the young people of this province, and reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that Newfoundland and Labrador continues to navigate its way towards prosperity and self-reliance,” said Premier Danny Williams.
Williams declared Human Resources Minister Susan Sullivan as Minister Responsible for Youth Engagement, the minister responsible for the implementation of the strategy.
The launch was broadcast live over the Internet to an audience of thousands that included students in classrooms throughout the province.
The strategy is the result of more than a year of research and collaboration between government, youth, nationally respected socio-economic policy researchers, and leaders in the business and labour communities.
Part of the process included 13 intensive, day-long deliberative dialogue sessions with over 480 youth from across the province, Alberta and Ontario. Through these sessions, the provincial government learned that employment is the number one priority for young people in considering where to live and work. Second to employment among young people’s priorities for retention and attraction, was continued access to affordable, quality education.
For more information about the strategy, visit www.youth.gov.nl.ca.