N.S. offices to help staff at Bowater
UPDATED 5:44 a.m. Wednesday
LIVERPOOL — The provincial government said Tuesday it has opened two offices to help workers affected by the shutdown of the Bowater Mersey paper mill in Queens County.
“We want to help workers explore options and provide information that will help them make important decisions about the next phase of their careers,” Labour and Advanced Education Minister Marilyn More said in a news release.
The release says the offices will help people look at career options, provide skill assessments and customized training, offer support in finding new job opportunities and help with self-employment and starting up a business.
More said a team of career counsellors and job training specialists will provide this support and will include members of Employment Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Adult Education along with municipal and federal staff.
One of their offices is in the South Shore Opportunities building on Henry Hensey Drive in Liverpool (phone 354-2616) and the other is at the Employment Solutions Society in Bridgewater at 215 Dominion St. (phone 543-2479).
Mayor Don Downe of the District of Lunenburg said in the release it is essential that these services be made available to the displaced workers.
The offices opened less than 24 hours after the province announced a committee Monday to consult with the community and generate ideas for economic diversification in the region.
That committee is headed by business and financial leader Ron Smith.
Region of Queens Mayor John Leefe said he welcomes the appointment of Smith, a Yarmouth native.
“His experience has both breadth and depth, he understands strategic investment and he has proven leadership skills,” Leefe said. “Having roots in rural Nova Scotia is a big plus.”