FREDERICTON (GNB) – The New Brunswick government is creating a new initiative, called the One-Job Pledge, to help businesses create quality jobs and new opportunities for recent graduates in the province.

Premier David Alward made the announcement today at LuminUltra Technologies Ltd., a leading biotechnology and information technology solution provider based in Fredericton. He was joined by Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Danny Soucy and Pat Whalen, president and chief executive officer of the company.

"Slow global growth means New Brunswick businesses are having difficulty creating jobs, and New Brunswick graduates are having difficulty finding career opportunities here at home," said Alward. "The One-Job Pledge initiative is an investment in our young people as well New Brunswick businesses that are poised to grow despite challenging economic circumstances. Working with New Brunswick businesses to create jobs is a key part of our government's plan to rebuild New Brunswick."

Under the One-Job Pledge, New Brunswick businesses that qualify will receive a one-year wage incentive when they hire, a permanent, full-time employee who graduated from a post-secondary institution in the past four years. These businesses must pay a minimum salary of $14 per hour. The initiative will allow for the reimbursement of 70 per cent of the salary to a maximum of $10 per hour for 52 weeks.

"A post-secondary educated workforce is the key to attracting industries and investment to our province," said Soucy. "In a world where the competitive edge relies on technological advances and capitalizing on resources such as people, investing in the development of young New Brunswickers is a viable option for organization wishing to remain, or become, competitive in the global marketplace."  

The One-Job Pledge is part of the Workforce Expansion Program administered by the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.

"Our company welcomes the opportunity to participate in the launch of the One-Job Pledge Initiative," said Whalen. "As a New Brunswick-based employer, I recognize the importance in creating quality opportunities for our recent post-secondary graduates here at home. Their talent and energy are indispensable components in the sustainable development and growth of high-tech companies such as ours, especially given today's global economic climate."

The Workforce Expansion Program is among several initiatives made possible through the Canada-New Brunswick Labour Market Development Agreement and the Canada-New Brunswick Labour Market Agreement. More information is available by calling the nearest provincial employment office or by visiting the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour website.


30-01-13