It's a pleasure to join you today here at the University of Winnipeg.
I also want to point out that Parliamentary Secretary Rod Bruinooge is in the audience today. Winnipeg should be very proud of Rod. As an MP and as Parliamentary Secretary he's doing a great job, and as a Métis person he's provided me and our Conservative government with some very valuable insights.
Let me begin by thanking everyone here at the university for all you do to inspire Aboriginal people to pursue a great education.
With an active, enterprising Aboriginal Student Services Centre, you've built a welcoming environment where Aboriginal students can find support and celebrate their culture.
And with innovative programs, such as your new Masters of Arts degree in Aboriginal Governance, you're helping to empower Canadians by providing an opportunity to enhance expertise in being responsive to the needs and interests of Aboriginal peoples.
Today, you're launching another important program that will open the door of opportunity for Aboriginal youth … and contribute to stronger communities throughout the province.
The Indigenous Police Preparation Program is a creative and ambitious plan. This new program is a first step for young people who have dreamed of wearing a police officer's uniform … helping others … and protecting communities.
I believe there are three outstanding benefits to this program.
First, Aboriginal youth who enroll and complete the program have a greater chance of succeeding in law enforcement. This program gives them a real advantage by focusing early on areas of academics, interviews, life skills and physical training.
Second, the program also assists the RCMP and other law enforcement agencies in Western Canada with their critical recruiting strategies by providing well-trained and better prepared Aboriginal students.
And finally, the program also falls in line with our government's goal of increasing the safety and security of all Canadians, while at the same time connecting qualified Aboriginal youth with existing demands in the labour market.
I have been speaking with business leaders in a number of Canadian cities this spring about how important it is to have Aboriginal people play a key role in Canada's economy. From Calgary to Brandon to Toronto, I have been speaking about this type of partnership and skills training. This not only helps strengthen Aboriginal communities, but it also makes Canada stronger.
I want to congratulate the RCMP, the University of Winnipeg and the Louis Riel Institute for putting together a program that will prepare Aboriginal recruits for a lifetime of success. And I am proud of the fact that my staff in the Federal Interlocutor's Office have helped to bring people together to help get this initiative off the ground.
Police officers do a tough job and they do it with professionalism and dedication. Most of all, they earn our respect because they are willing to put their own safety at risk, if it means protecting others from harm.
This program will help Aboriginal youth to serve with this distinction, and be true role models.
I understand that here in Winnipeg, the community has been holding roundtable discussions on ways to curb youth crime. Aboriginal leaders have spoken about the need for more education and training for youth. Police Chief McCaskill has talked about the value of having Aboriginal representation on the force. So, a program like this one is a great way of connecting those two priorities - and making our communities stronger and safer.
Skills and education are vital to improving the quality of life of Aboriginal Canadians both on and off reserve. Individuals get a good job and their families get ahead. Aboriginal people gain the expertise they need to build strong communities and create economic opportunity.
We also get a stronger Canada when young people learn, grow and succeed. We all know Canada has an ageing population. In the years ahead, there will be strong demand in every sector for people with skills.
At the same time, there are thousands of future police officers, teachers, nurses, doctors, trade persons or social workers among Aboriginal youth living on and off reserve. These young people see the challenges in their community, and they are looking for ways to contribute to a brighter future. I should note that fully half of the Aboriginal population is below the age of 25!
And our government believes a key way of helping improve the lives of Aboriginal youth is through education and skills training.
That's why this MOU you are signing today is so important - and I encourage all of you to keep working with other partners, not just here but in other parts of the country - to connect Aboriginal youth with skills and opportunity.
