Media Release: May 4, 2009

Mayor Randy Hope has asked a number of community leaders to serve on a newly-created Chatham-Kent Workforce Planning Board. The volunteers represent business, industry, agriculture, energy, education, health care, labour and social welfare. The board will be responsible for developing an overall plan for Chatham-Kent’s labour market and a strategy that develops workers skills according to the unique needs of Chatham-Kent.

"Civic engagement will be essential to our community’s success," said Mayor Randy Hope. "In addition to the economic development and workforce programs already in place, this group of citizens will provide leadership skills and experience for the development of a workforce that positions Chatham-Kent for success. "This board will work closely with the municipality to address the serious economic challenges being faced by our community."

"Workforce development was identified as a foundational element in Chatham-Kent’s Economic Development and Tourism Strategy," said Acting Director of Economic Development Services Aileen Murray.

Added Valerie Colasanti, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s Director of Ontario Works, "With the Ontario Works caseload increasing, I am excited to see the development of a local planning board to assist us in identifying Chatham-Kent’s employment and training priority needs in order to plan for our future."

Expected results from the implementation of a Chatham-Kent Workforce Planning Board include:

A comprehensive, integrated local labour market plan and workforce development strategy that recognizes the unique needs of Chatham-Kent.
A robust planning process and strategic plan that informs government investment decisions to better address the needs of customers (individuals, businesses and communities) within a culture of shared responsibility and accountability.
A collaborative effort of all key stakeholders within Chatham-Kent.
A skilled, educated workforce, responsive to the needs of today’s employment opportunities.

Staff support will be provided by the municipality’s Ontario Works office and by Economic Development Services.

General media contact:
Communications Officer
Chief Administrative Office
Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Civic Centre,
315 King Street West,
Chatham ON N7M 5K8

Tel: 519-360-1998 
E-mail: ckcommunications@chatham-kent.ca