For Release: September 29, 2005
Ontario Government Supports Quinte Workforce Development
Program Will Encourage Apprenticeships, Support Manufacturing
BELLEVILLE - The Ontario government is building stronger, more
prosperous, rural communities in the Quinte region by investing in training
for people who work in, or want to work in, the manufacturing sector,
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky announced
today.
"The Ontario government is committed to meeting the top priorities
for rural Ontario - strong communities, a strong economy and success for
students," said Dombrowsky. "Today's announcement supports Ontario's
plan to ensure that rural communities in the Quinte region offer more
local opportunities to their residents and a better quality of life."
The Ontario government will contribute more than $1 million to Quinte
Economic Development Commission and its partners, Trenval Business Development
Corporation, and Quinte Manufacturer's Association of the Quinte Industrial
Consortium. Customized training will be developed to enhance the skills
of existing workers and apprenticeships. Marketing tools will be produced
to encourage high school students to pursue careers in the manufacturing
sector.
"The Integrated Workforce Development Initiatives will help improve
the competitiveness of our local manufacturing sector," said Ernie
Parsons, MPP for Prince-Edward Hastings. "I look forward to seeing
the Greater Quinte Region on the forefront of investment readiness."
"Investing in prosperity for Ontarians is one of our government's
top priority," said Lou Rinaldi, MPP for Northumberland. "I
am confident that this project will continue to strengthen the education
and skills of our people."
"We are extremely pleased that the Ontario government is supporting
the partnership we have established between the manufacturing sector,
economic development, and Loyalist College," said Quinte Economic
Development Commission Chairman John Williams. "This investment will
help keep our labour force skilled and ready in order to meet the changing
needs of the industry."
Today's investment was made through the Rural Economic Development (RED)
program, which invests in projects that support sustainable rural economies
and community partnerships, and is a key part of the government's plan
for rural Ontario. The rural plan provides a coordinated framework across
government to build on rural Ontario's strengths - committed people, diverse
economic opportunities, unrivalled resources and a solid sense of community.
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Contact:
Tyler Fleming
Minister's Office
(416) 326-3077
