HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, May 20, 2008-The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, announced a new strategy that will help Aboriginal Nova Scotians get the skills they need to find good jobs in the skilled trades.
Speaking on the federal government's plan to meet Canada's labour market challenges at the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Minister Solberg announced $820,000 in joint federal and provincial funding over the next three years for the Nova Scotia Coordinated Aboriginal Apprenticeship and Trades Strategy. Reaching into communities that need it most, the Strategy will promote the skilled trades as a rewarding career choice and provide Aboriginal apprentices with the support they need to succeed in obtaining careers in the skilled trades.
"In Budget 2008, we reinforced our commitment to fostering partnerships involving the private and public sectors to help Aboriginal people get the skills and training they need to take advantage of opportunities in the North and across Canada," said Minister Solberg. "Through this strategy, we are one step closer to getting this done in Nova Scotia."
"This program will provide career opportunities for Aboriginal people and give them the opportunity to gain employment here in Nova Scotia, close to their families and their communities," said Mr. Rick Simon, Executive Chair of the Mi'kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Tripartite Forum.
"The initiative is a great start to promoting trades and apprenticeships to Aboriginal Peoples at all stages of life. The Native Council of Nova Scotia is pleased to be a part of this initiative and is committed to work with all partners to bring better awareness of trades to all our Aboriginal Peoples," said Ms. Grace Conrad, Chief and President of the Native Council of Nova Scotia.
Through the Sector Council Program the Government of Canada is providing $670,000 to the Aboriginal Human Resource Council to co-ordinate and implement the Strategy. The Province of Nova Scotia will provide an additional $150,000 in funding support.
"Nova Scotia's Aboriginal population is a tremendous asset to the work force in this province," said the Honourable Mark Parent, Minister of Labour and Workforce Development for Nova Scotia. "This joint strategy will help connect more Aboriginal Nova Scotians to the Province's apprenticeship system where they can obtain the training they need to find a rewarding career in the skilled trades in Nova Scotia."
Sector councils play a vital role in helping to strengthen the labour market, thereby contributing to the productivity and competitiveness of the economy and the standard of living of all Canadians. They bring together governments, business, labour and educational stakeholders in key sectors to share ideas, concerns and perspectives about work force issues. Canada's sector councils have been successful at meeting emerging skills requirements, addressing skills and labour shortages, and building essential skills in the workplace as a foundation for continuous learning.
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For more 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
