Comprehensive Strategy Needed to Meet Future Labour Demands in Newfoundland and Labrador

As discussions intensify around the recently announced Churchill Falls Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour (NLFL) is calling on the provincial government to develop a long-term, comprehensive strategy addressing the workforce requirements for the proposed large-scale projects.

“The provincial government projects that the four MOU initiatives will create approximately 5,000 direct jobs and 4,500 indirect and induced jobs,” said NLFL President Jessica McCormick. “While our province’s workers have consistently demonstrated their capability to handle projects of this magnitude, we must ensure we have the workforce capacity to meet these demands alongside other provincial labour needs. This planning must begin immediately.”

McCormick emphasized the need for collaboration: “Government, employers, and workers must work together to develop a comprehensive strategy to ensure the province is prepared for the task ahead. To be effective, any labour strategy must be worker-led and worker-focused. Front-line workers have invaluable insights into what’s required to do the job right and must be included in any human resources planning process.”

McCormick also stressed the importance of investing in education and training: “The provincial government must properly engage with, fund, and support the K-12 and post-secondary education systems to ensure workers can access the education, training, upskilling, and professional development needed for these projects’ diverse labour demands. This plan must also consider labour needs beyond these four specific projects. Furthermore, all associated benefits agreements must prioritize ensuring that our province, our workers, and our communities are the primary beneficiaries.”

“The future prosperity of our province and its people depends on these decisions,” McCormick stated. “If our history has taught us anything, it’s the importance of due diligence and proactive planning. We have one chance to get this right – so we must start planning immediately.”