EDMONTON, ALBERTA, May 23, 2008-Mr. Mike Lake, Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Mill Woods-Beaumont, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced funding for an Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership (ASEP) project. The funding is expected to provide Aboriginal participants with the skills development, support and training that they need to strengthen links to employment.
Speaking at the Boilermakers Dispatch Hall in Edmonton, Mr. Lake announced that the Government of Canada will contribute up to $4.5 million for the Trade Winds to Success project.
"The Government is committed to ensuring that Aboriginal people have access to the skills and tools they need to find and keep good quality jobs," said Mr. Lake. "By partnering with industry, Aboriginal communities and the Government of Alberta, the Government of Canada is helping to create new opportunities that will lead to lasting benefits for Aboriginal people, their communities and their families."
The Trade Winds to Success project will provide Aboriginal participants with career decision making, pre-apprenticeship interventions, and personal and academic supports leading to meaningful employment in the trades. Possible careers include carpenter, boilermaker, ironworker, steam/pipe fitter and electrician.
"This type of partnership is key to creating greater opportunities for Aboriginal people to participate in and benefit from Alberta's work force and thriving economy," said Mr. Hector Goudreau, Minister of Alberta Employment and Immigration. "Trade Winds to Success supports our commitment to engage people who have been traditionally underrepresented in the labour force."
"With Alberta's shortage of tradespeople, ASEP not only allows Aboriginal people to obtain gainful employment within several different industries, but it also provides them with an opportunity for a better life for themselves, their families and their community," said President Audrey Poitras, Metis Nation of Alberta.
"Trade Winds to Success is a multi-partner initiative that provides a safe and secure learning path forward for Alberta and Canada's First Nations people to join in the economic prosperity of our country," added Mr. Martyn Piper, Chairman of the Board, Trade Winds for Success Training Society.
In addition to the Government of Canada, Aboriginal organizations, the Union Training Trust Fund and the Government of Alberta are all partners in this initiative. The total funding for this project could reach up to $10 million over five years.
The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership is a nationally managed program that provides Aboriginal people with the skills they need to participate in economic opportunities such as northern mining, oil and gas, and forestry projects across Canada. ASEP's overall objective is sustainable employment for Aboriginal people in major economic industries, leading to lasting benefits for Aboriginal communities, families and individuals.
- 30 -
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
Visit the new Human Resources and Social Development Canada Web site at www.hrsdc.gc.ca.
For further information (media only):
Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Solberg
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
Dorothy Schreiber
Communications
Alberta Employment and Immigration
780-422-0380
