VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, February 6, 2009-Aboriginal people in British Columbia's Lower Mainland and along the coast will gain skills and training needed to work in the construction industry and port-related companies through two new projects announced today. Mr. John Duncan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
The VanASEP Training Society and Prince Rupert ASEP Society projects will provide training and long-term employment opportunities for Aboriginal people by working in partnership with Aboriginal organizations, industry, local educational institutions and the Province.
The Government of Canada is contributing approximately $10 million to the VanASEP Training Society and $2 million to the Prince Rupert ASEP Society.
"These two projects will provide training and skills development opportunities for over 1,000 Aboriginal people in British Columbia through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership program," said Mr. Duncan. "Canada's Economic Action Plan aims to create more and better opportunities for Aboriginal Canadians by investing an additional $100 million for Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership projects."
VanASEP will provide industry-specific pre-employment assessment and training for Aboriginal people to help them find long-term jobs. The Prince Rupert ASEP Society will help local Aboriginal people prepare for job opportunities at port-related companies in Phase 1 of the port development.
"VanASEP has successfully provided apprenticeship opportunities for more than 300 apprentices in the last four years. We are pleased to continue supporting them as part of our effort to increase the number of Aboriginal apprentices in British Columbia," said Mr. Gary McDermott, Senior Lead of Aboriginal Apprenticeship for the BC Industry Training Authority.
"The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership is just the type of program we need right now," said Mr. Jerry Lawson, Board Chairperson, Prince Rupert ASEP Society. "There will be many jobs available requiring a trained work force when the Prince Rupert Port moves into the next phase of development. Many other opportunities in the region are becoming evident, and, when these opportunities come knocking, we want our Aboriginal population to be ready for those jobs like everyone else."
The Government of Canada is supporting these projects through its Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership (ASEP) program. This program provides Aboriginal people with the training and skills they need to take advantage of job opportunities in industries such as northern mining, oil and gas, forestry, and fishing.
"It is an exciting time for the green energy industry in British Columbia," said Mr. Paul Schincariol, Vice-President of Construction, Cloudworks Energy Inc. "Cloudworks' partnership with the VanASEP Training Society will assist us in developing the skilled people we need to operate green energy projects, and builds on the working relationships we have with First Nation communities to provide training and jobs for local Aboriginal community members."
Through ASEP, the Government of Canada is aiming to train more than 16,000 Aboriginal people and provide jobs for more than 10,000 Aboriginal workers.
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For further information (media only):
Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
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819-994-5559
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Backgrounder
VanASEP Training Society
The VanASEP Training Society works in partnership with Aboriginal organizations, industry and the BC Industry Training Authority. These partners will provide training and skills development for 1,000 Aboriginal people, leading to long-term employment in the construction and hydro-electric industries for 800 Aboriginal people in British Columbia, which will provide lasting benefits for Aboriginal people, communities and families.
- Scott Construction, Fraser River Pile and Dredge, Cloudworks Energy Inc.
- Provincial Government – BC Industry Training Authority
- Aboriginal Human Resources Development Agreement holders (North Vancouver Island Aboriginal Training Society and Sto:lo- Lower Stl'atl'imx Tribal Council partnership)
- Peter Kiewit and Sons
- Tsawwassen First Nation
- Squamish First Nation
- Kwantlen College
- Christian Labour Association of Canada
- College/School District #47 (Powell River)
Prince Rupert ASEP Society
The Prince Rupert ASEP Society includes representation from three local Tsimshian First Nation communities. The Society will provide training and skills development opportunities to at least 75 Aboriginal people in Prince Rupert, resulting in at least 50 long-term jobs at companies (and associated unions) that operate the Fairview Terminal in the Port of Prince Rupert. Initiatives will include activities such as mentorship and coaching, career development planning and active support for apprenticeships.
Prince Rupert ASEP Society Partners
- Prince Rupert Port Authority
- Maher Terminals
- BC Ferry Services
- Prince Rupert Grain
- Ridley Coal Terminals
- Canada Border Services Agency
- CN
- Naikum Wind Development
- International Longshore and Warehouse Union
- SMIT Marine
The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership Program
Officially launched in 2003 as an $85-million five-year labour market initiative, the ASEP program is designed to maximize training and job opportunities in major economic development projects across Canada by meeting employers' needs and labour market demands for skilled workers. In 2007, the Government of Canada invested an additional $105 million in the ASEP program.
ASEP's ultimate success is contingent on the strong partnerships forged between Aboriginal groups, the private sector, federal, provincial and/or territorial governments, labour, and educational institutions. Since the program's inception, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada has successfully delivered programming with over 90 partners.
Canada's Economic Action Plan committed to enhance the availability of training by investing an additional $100 million over three years in the ASEP program. This investment will support up to 25 new ASEP projects, which will result in up to 6,000 jobs for Aboriginal people.
