OTTAWA, ONTARIO, February 12, 2009 – The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian affairs and Northern Development, on behalf of Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today underscored the Government's commitment to supporting Aboriginal people as outlined in Canada's Economic Action Plan. Minister Strahl announced targeted investments to ensure that Aboriginal people have access to the skills and tools they need to reach their full potential.
"The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that First Nations, Métis and Inuit fully share in economic opportunities", said Minister Strahl. "Canada's Economic Action Plan aims to create more and better opportunities for Aboriginal Canadians by investing in the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership (ASEP) program and by establishing a new Aboriginal Skills and Training Strategic Investment Fund."
Minister Strahl announced that $75 million over two years has been proposed to establish an Aboriginal Skills and Training Strategic Investment Fund. The fund will lay the groundwork for a successor program to the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy (AHRDS), and will focus on employer partnerships and delivering targeted training to improve employment outcomes.
He also announced that the Government intends to invest an additional $100 million over three years in the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership (ASEP) program to help Aboriginal people participate in the work force and get the training they need to get good skilled jobs.
"Aboriginal people are a vital part of our commitment to create the best educated, the most skilled and the most flexible workforce in the world," said Minister Strahl.
ASEP funds partnerships between Aboriginal organizations and major employers to provide on-the-job training and solid work opportunities in a range of sectors such as mining, oil and gas, forestry and fishing, construction and tourism.
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Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
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Human Resources and Social Development
819-994-5559
