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Province picking up tab for laid-off NovAtel workersCALGARY (CP) — Hie Alberta government is footing the bill for nearly 200 out-of-work NovAtel employees as they search for new jobs.Most of the positions are in the United States or in Central Canada. But that doesn’t bother Technology Minister Fred Stewart.“It's the human thing to do/’ he said. “We’re giving assistance to those laid off and helping them to find jobs, wherever that may be.”Although severance cheques are signed by NovAtel Communications Ltd., Stewart confirmed the government is funding the severance packages and job-pla cement services.He said the costs were included in the $250 million assigned to “costs at point of divestiture,” and are also part of the $566-million loss announced in May when NovAtel, a cellular phone manufacturer, wassold.“I don’t have a figure” for these costs, Stewart said, but adds the government is “operating withinthe total parameters established at the beginning, withno unforeseen costs to Alberta taxpayers.”The transition centre was set up at NovAtel two weeks ago. It provides secretarial services, counselling, help with resumes and connects people with job opportunities.Former employees said most of the jobs are in the U,S.“That’s the unfortunate thing that’s happening,” said Murray Tough, former manager in radio frequency engineering. “NovAtel had assembled probably the best talent in North America. Now most have no choice but to leave the Calgary area.”Only a handful of employees have been placed so far, said NovAtel spokeswoman LaDawn Bly.The number of people laid off will total just under900 when roughly 50 to 100 are let go at the Lethbridgeplant at the end of this month.“It’s very close to the government estimate,” Bly said. 3
Newspaper Details
Lethbridge Herald
Lethbridge, Alberta, CA
Fri, Jul 17, 1992
Page 1
Full Page
Clipped by
Chinook A.
AB, USA 20 Oct 2022
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