Watch the video above: Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall reacts to job cuts at PotashCorp
SASKATOON – The Saskatchewan government is offering support to workers affected by layoffs at PotashCorp.
On Tuesday, PotashCorp announced it was reducing its workforce by around 18 per cent, affecting 440 employees in Saskatchewan.
“This is not good news for those employees and their families,” said Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall.
“We will be immediately dispatching our rapid response teams to provide support and explore other opportunities in other sectors.
“We are fortunate that this has occurred at a time of relative labour market strength and that our economy today is more diversified than ever.”
Wall said he has directed Economy Minister Bill Boyd and Advanced Education Minister Rob Norris to enhance current government work on matching training resources with current and future labour needs in the province.
“I am asking these Ministers to explore additional opportunities for our government to support skills training with a view to where the labour shortage is most acute in the short term and where the opportunities will be in the longer term,” said Wall.
Wall also said despite the bad news, Saskatchewan’s economy remains strong due to diversification.
Potash tax revenue currently accounts for 3.5 per cent of the province’s $11 billion budget.
“Our economy is diversified and strong enough to withstand a downturn in one sector, but as a government, there is more we can do to keep our economy on track,” said Wall.
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