2-02483EDMONTON, ALBERTA (March 31, 2004) - The Government of Canada and the Province of Alberta today signed a partnership agreement to promote partnerships with businesses to enhance the participation of Aboriginal people in the Alberta economy. The agreement was signed on behalf of the Honourable Andy Mitchell, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development by his Parliamentary Secretary, the Honourable Larry Bagnell, the Honourable Pearl Calahasen, Alberta Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development.As the first agreement of its kind to be signed by the Government of Canada and a province, the two governments will work with individual businesses to identify training, employment and related economic opportunities for Aboriginal people in both the public and private sectors. A steering committee is being established to monitor progress."This initiative is aimed at providing more information about employment opportunities to Aboriginal communities and organizations," said Mr. Bagnell. "By providing this information in advance, Aboriginal organizations will be better able to develop training plans which will lead to the creation of a larger skilled Aboriginal workforce.""Alberta's vision is driven by the Aboriginal Policy Framework, which emphasizes collaboration and partnership among Aboriginal people, industry, government and other interested parties to improve the self-reliance of Aboriginal people and communities," said Minister Calahasen. "This partnership acknowledges our commitment to unlocking the future of Aboriginal communities by preparing Aboriginal people to meet current and future employment needs in Alberta."Through this agreement, the parties agree to work with Aboriginal people in the province to facilitate constructive cultural relations; enhance linkages to the Aboriginal labour force; promote employment, retention and career development opportunities for Aboriginal people; identify potential business development initiatives; and develop an action plan laying out both short and long term employment strategies.Increasing the participation of Aboriginal people in the workforce is critical to the growth of the province's economy. By expanding the supply of qualified Aboriginal workers, Alberta will be better able to meet its future labour needs. Additionally, the employment strategy will empower Aboriginal communities by enabling them to focus their training in areas of their choice based on a variety of opportunities gathered through the partnership process. Alberta's Aboriginal Policy Framework sets out the basic structure for existing and new policies, strategies and initiatives of the Government of Alberta to address issues facing First Nations, Métis and other Aboriginal people in Alberta. The Framework consists of two goals: improving socio-economic opportunities for Aboriginal people and communities and clarifying federal, provincial and Aboriginal roles and responsibilities. By working with Aboriginal organizations to identify and implement strategies, a number of initiatives are underway to achieve greater-self-reliance and improved well-being among Aboriginal people.The Government of Canada, through the Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative (AWPI), promotes employment partnership agreements throughout the country. AWPI is part of the government's commitment to help Aboriginal people build stronger, healthier and more self-reliant communities by increasing the participation of Aboriginal people in the labour market. Through AWPI's proven track record, it has produced highly effective and valued resources aimed at helping its partners improve the participation of Aboriginal people in the workplace. AWPI facilitates the process of equitable participation of Aboriginal people in the Canadian workforce through enhancing awareness, capacity and partnerships between Aboriginal people and all sectors of the economy.For further information contact:Glenn LuffDirector, CommunicationsAlberta RegionIndian and Northern Affairs Canada(780) 495-6638 Jay O'NeillDirector, Communications Alberta Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development(780) 415-0900
