Government's response to chamber report shows potential.

The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce believes that a skilled, highly productive and mobile workforce is essential to achieving Saskatchewan's economic and social objectives. The chamber was pleased to see some of these same beliefs reflected in the provincial government's response to the final report and recommendations of the commission on improving work opportunities for Saskatchewan residents.

In the chamber's submission to the commission, it was noted that to enhance work opportunities for Saskatchewan citizens the government has to increase the skilled labour pool in this province via workplace-based training programs and co-op studies programs. The chamber also noted that the government needs to facilitate the growth of a strong private sector to create employment opportunities for all workers.

"The government's response to the commission's report clearly takes some of the chamber's recommendations into consideration," notes Saskatchewan chamber human resource committee co-chair Mike Carr. "They committed to more focused spending that will fund programs that provide knowledge and skills training to new entrants and those seeking greater employment opportunities."

"The chamber membership is pleased that additional resources have been dedicated to the programs which help students acquire essential hard and soft skills through work experience," adds Carr. "We also applaud the government for committing to new investment in Aboriginal training institutions and to first-time provincial funding for basic education and skills training on reserve."