Plan for 2010-11

Statement from the Minister

Saskatchewan is a vibrant place to study, live, and work.  As Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour (AEEL) and Minister Responsible for Immigration, I am pleased to present the Ministry’s Plan for the upcoming year, which is in alignment with Government’s direction for 2010-11.

AEEL contributes to the achievement of all of Government’s objectives.  In particular, it has a fundamental role in Government achieving its objectives for sustained economic growth.  AEEL touches at the heart of the economy through its accountability to ensure that Saskatchewan has the knowledgeable and skilled people needed to drive the province’s prosperity.  This is achieved through a robust post-secondary system, effective supports for labour market attachment, a responsive immigration strategy, a significant contribution to research and innovation, a labour environment that is fair, balanced, and conducive to business attraction and growth, and with focused attention on safe and healthy workplaces.

To achieve these goals AEEL will:

• ensure a skilled workforce to meet existing and future labour market demand;
• ensure that Saskatchewan’s post-secondary system is characterized by:
• excellence, innovation, inclusion and accountability, and is responsive to the needs of learners and Saskatchewan’s labour market;
• increase post-secondary education levels and labour market participation of First Nations and Métis peoples to meet existing and future labour market demand;
• support increased attraction and retention of newcomers to Saskatchewan;
• foster productive, safe, and competitive workplaces; and,
• improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Ministry’s programs, services, and systems to ensure the best use of public funds.

I accept responsibility for furthering Government’s commitments while ensuring the Ministry is managed with integrity and professionalism, with a commitment to Government’s corporate values and principles.  Examining programs and services to ensure the most effective and efficient delivery possible is a key priority for all ministriesand an activity that will be reported on as results are achieved.

I will report on the progress made toward this Plan, within the financial parameters provided to my Ministry, in the ministry’s annual report.

The Honourable Rob Norris
Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Minister Responsible for Immigration

Response to Government Direction for 2010-11

Ministry Plans for 2010-11 align with Government’s vision for a secure and prosperous Saskatchewan, leading the country in economic and population growth, while providing opportunity for a high quality of life for all.  Government’s vision, goals, and priorities for the upcoming year are described in the Government Direction for 2010-11:  Balanced.  Forward-Looking.  Responsible.

Government’s Plan and Budget for 2010-11 are about finding balance:  responsibly managing expenditures, ensuring a solid revenue base, minimizing debt levels, and ensuring everyone can benefit from the province’s economicprosperity. 

To maintain the province’s economic momentum, steps need to be taken to slow the growth in government expenditures.  Direction has been provided to find ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of government’programs and services, and ensure the best use of public funds.  Efforts will focus on responsible financial management and innovative solutions to improve services to the public while reducing government’s overall footprint.  To that end, AEEL remains focused on continuous improvement and will continue to enhance service delivery to clients via service integration and program and outcome evaluation.

Similar to the ministry plans presented last year, the Plan for 2010-11 communicates a high-level framework for the Ministry’s key activities and identifies how the Ministry works to support Government’s goals and priorities.

Mission Statement

The Ministry promotes provincial economic growth and prosperity through strategic leadership that encourages and supports the development of a diverse, highly skilled, and productive workforce; attraction of new residents to the province; creation of fair, safe, and supportive workplaces; a fair and balanced labour environment; and dynamic and integrated innovation.  AEEL and its partners are committed to help Saskatchewan residents achieve their desired educational and employment outcomes.

Strategies and Actions