For Release
February 26, 2007
WINNIPEG, Manitoba - Aboriginal students will be
better equipped for high-demand jobs in Manitoba's aerospace, manufacturing
and construction industries, with a $480,000 investment from Canada's
New Government.
The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister
of Western Economic Diversification, today announced funding for the Centre
of Aboriginal Human Resource Development's Neeginan Institute of Applied
Technology.
"Canada's New Government is getting things done for all Canadians
including Aboriginal students and Manitoba businesses, " said Minister
Ambrose. "This funding is part of our Government's economic plan
to create the right conditions for Canadians and Canadian businesses to thrive."
Western Economic Diversification Canada is contributing $320,000 in funding
towards new equipment purchases for the Institute. Canada's
Urban Aboriginal Strategy, which is administered by the Honourable Jim Prentice,
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor
for Métis and Non-Status Indians, is providing $160,000 to be used
for building renovations. The Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development
(CAHRD) is contributing approximately $290,000 towards the renovation project.
Training will be provided in a variety of industrial occupations in
the province's growing aerospace, manufacturing and construction industries.
The project's goal is to address Manitoba's skilled labour shortage
and produce graduates in high-demand trades in a way that is flexible enough
to meet employers' needs and specifications.
"We are very excited about the opportunities this equipment will provide
for our students and the business sector," said Wayne Helgason, Chair,
Centre of Aboriginal Human Resource Development. "By conducting this
training in-house, we will be better positioned to balance the needs of
our students with the requirements of industry."
The Neeginan Institute of Applied Technology is a unique trades training
centre that has a record of success; its certified training programs are
offered only when an employer commits to hiring the graduates, and students
are selected jointly with employers. Until now, CAHRD has been renting
trades training facilities and instructors' time at schools and colleges
around the city. The new tools and equipment will be placed in the
Institute allowing CAHRD to train more students with the same resources.
Within a year, the Institute plans to graduate a total of 156 Aboriginal
students who will be well equipped and trained for the skilled jobs that
are waiting for them. Border Glass, Standard Aero, Boeing, Custom Steel
and Carlson Composites have all committed to hiring the graduates of this
innovative program designed to support industrial growth and competitiveness
in Manitoba, particularly in sectors like aerospace, manufacturing and construction.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government
of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations
and communities to stimulate and encourage diversification of the western
economy, as well as to represent the interests of the West in Ottawa.
For additional information, contact:
Pierre Floréa
Director of Communications
Office of the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister
of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification
613-943-1831
David Meister
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
204-983-0789
