$10.5m training plan unveiled in Saskatchewan

The government of Saskatchewan has unveiled a $10.5-million Training Plan to provide mining jobs in the province.

Keith Goulet, minister of associate education, training and employment, signed the plan in conjunction with the federal government (Human Resources Development Canada), the Prince Albert Grand Council, Cameco, Cogema Resources and Cigar Lake Mining.

He said the plan will create jobs for hundreds of Saskatchewan residents. Uranium mining and exploration in northern Saskatchewan employ 1,500 people directly and another 2,800 indirectly.

The plan ties new jobs to an education and training strategy. “Over the 5-year life of the agreement, more than 600 jobs will be created, and our goal is to place about 400 northerners in these permanent jobs,” Goulet said. “Many of them will be aboriginal people. In addition to the 600 jobs we are creating, we are looking at an additional 500 jobs in mine and mill construction.”