Government of Canada helps Indigenous peoples improve their essential skills

From: Employment and Social Development Canada

News Release

September 29, 2017               Temiskaming Shores, Ontario                Employment and Social Development Canada

Strong essential skills are critical in helping people find and keep good jobs and adapt to a changing economy.

Today, Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming, on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, announced funding for a project to help Indigenous peoples develop their skills so they are better prepared to join the workforce.

As part of the project Literacy and Essential Skills Culture, Confidence and Competence, the Temiskaming Native Women’s Support Group (TNWSG) will work with 160 participants, including at least 90 Indigenous women and 40 Indigenous youth as they develop essential skills to help them get jobs in the mining, security, transportation, and forestry sectors. The TNWSG will also work with 20 employers to ensure that program participants can succeed in the workforce.

Quotes

“Indigenous peoples represent one of the fastest-growing demographics in Canada. By supporting Indigenous peoples develop the skills and get the experience they need to succeed in the workforce, we can continue growing our economy and strengthening the middle class.”

– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

“When you set out to build something, it’s always good to start with a solid foundation. Congratulations to the Temiskaming Native Women’s Support Group as you pilot this new training program and give participants a sound footing on which to build a better future for themselves, their communities and our country. One of Canada’s greatest strengths is its skilled, hard-working, creative and diverse workforce.”

– Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming

“This project draws upon Indigenous cultural knowledge to inspire greater confidence among First Nations, Inuit and Metis women and youth so that they increase their level of skill and competence in the workplace. This project offers us an opportunity to build upon our current partnerships and expand to other sectors. It is exciting and we will hit the ground running.”

- Ann Batisse, Executive Director, Temiskaming Native Women's Support Group

Quick Facts

  • The Government of Canada is investing over $1 million in the Literacy and Essential Skills Culture, Confidence and Competence project over the next 3.5 years.

  • Approximately 120 Indigenous peoples are expected to benefit from improved employment retention.

  • Best practices and lessons learned from this project will be shared with other organizations so they can improve services for Indigenous peoples more broadly.

  • The project will also focus on including more Indigenous people in the workforce while considering culturally appropriate mental health services. 

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Contacts

Matt Pascuzzo
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
matt.pascuzzo@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
819-654-4183

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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