Tuition freeze will stick: Tories

A re-elected Progressive Conservative government will develop the workforce through a tuition freeze and the creation of a workforce development secretariat, leader Kathy Dunderdale said Tuesday.

"Our plan to strategically develop the workforce in Newfoundland and Labrador will give people the ability to effectively match their interests in skilled trades with opportunities in industry," said Dunderdale.

Campaigning in the district of Labrador West, Dunderdale told students at the College of the North Atlantic there that the freeze would extend to all college and university students across Newfoundland and Labrador.

A long-running freeze has made tuition in the province among the least expensive in the country.

Dunderdale also announced the establishment of a workforce development secretariat that would link industrial development and employment opportunities with workers.

The cost of establishing the secretariat is $3.5 million.

"These initiatives are aimed at developing and effectively deploying a workforce of highly trained and highly skilled workers, who can meet the needs of our growing industrial demands and fulfill their own ambitions in the field of their choice," said Dunderdale.

Dunderdale said the PC party also wants to encourage more women to undergo apprenticeship training.

"We must ensure we are strategic and effective in helping our young people and workers access the best jobs in the areas of their choosing, while ensuring that we are able to meet the growing labour force demands," Dunderdale said in a statement.

"With careful management, everyone benefits."