The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission:

Speaker, I am pleased to welcome our first new employees through the graduate recruitment program, many of whom have joined us here today, to our public service.

These recruits are highly educated and skilled. Among this team, you will find a doctorate in sociology and a host of masters’ degrees, including public health, science management, economics, marine studies and health ethics. We have graduates with backgrounds in nursing, criminology and business to name just a few.

These new employees bring their knowledge, skill and drive to collaborate and enhance development in fiscal, social, immigration and health policies, as well as Indigenous affairs, business analysis, and human resources among others. These talented recruits are very eager to make meaningful contributions to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and through it, to the people of the province.

The graduate recruitment program provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience in one or more work assignments, expand skills and knowledge, network and connect with professionals and receive ongoing mentoring, coaching and learning opportunities. The goal is to develop a career path to management and executive roles within the public service.

I invite my colleagues to join with me in wishing our new graduate recruits well as they learn from and enhance our strong public service.

Thank you.