SOUTH PORCUPINE, ONTARIO, February 13, 2009 – Aboriginal people will gain valuable skills and employment experience required to work in the mining industry through a new strategy announced today. Ed Komarnicki, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and to the Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Souris–Moose Mountain, made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, at the Northern College, Porcupine campus in South Porcupine, Ontario.
The Matachewan Aboriginal Access to Jobs Training Strategy (MAATS) is a partnership strategy that will assist Aboriginal people in obtaining employment with mining and other industry partners through education and employment programs. Supported by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada in partnership with Northgate Minerals Corporation and the province of Ontario, the strategy is funded under the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership (ASEP) Program.
"Canada's Economic Action Plan aims to create more and better opportunities for Aboriginal Canadians," said Mr. Kormarnicki. "This investment of $2.05 million for the Matachewan Aboriginal Access to Jobs Training Strategy will provide training and skills development opportunities for more than 200 Aboriginal people in northern Ontario."
"The success of the program will come with those who obtain secure jobs in the mining industry, allowing them to provide for their families and have a career with room for opportunity," said Shawn Batise, executive director of the Wabun Tribal Council.
MAATS builds on a partnership that has evolved over the last year between the local Aboriginal communities of Matachewan, Wahgoshig, and Mattagami First Nations and with industry partner, Northgate Minerals.
"This is a good news story about co-operation between government, Aboriginal people, and the mining industry," said Chris Rockingham, Vice President Exploration and Business Development of Northgate Minerals Corporation. "It will help the local economy and will enable Aboriginal people to participate in the local mining industry in greater numbers and at higher skill levels."
The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership program focuses on sustainable Aboriginal employment by providing the skills and training needed to participate in economic opportunities such as northern mining, oil and gas, forestry, and fishery projects across Canada.
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This news release is available in alternative formats on request. Call 1-800-788-8282 on a touch-tone phone or through a teletypewriter (TTY).
For further information (media only):
Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development
819-994-5559
For further information or how to apply:
Matachewan Aboriginal Access to Jobs Training
1-800-665-2470
Backgrounder
Project Description
MAATS was created to deal with the chronic unemployment and lack of skills training opportunities that have historically limited Aboriginal individuals in and around Matachewan from obtaining work within the community and the region.
The objective of the Matachewan Aboriginal Access to Jobs Training Strategy (MAATS) is to provide at least 200 Aboriginal people in the area of Kirkland Lake to Temiskaming with the skills they need for at least 100 long term jobs in the mining industry. To accomplish this, MAATS will do the following:
- Develop and deliver a marketing plan;
- Provide career assessment and counselling;
- Provide educational, training and work experience interventions;
- Identify and develop training plans (for candidates moving into higher positions);
- Provide permanent job placements.
There have been consultations with the National Research Council of Canada, Service Canada and support from the Province of Ontario.
Project Sponsor
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada: $2.05 million (50%)
Industry Partnership: $583,844 (14%)
Aboriginal Governments and Organizations: $583, 844 (14%)
Ontario Government: $883, 375 (22%)
The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership (ASEP) Program
Officially launched in 2003, ASEP is designed to maximize training and job opportunities in major economic development projects across Canada. It does this by meeting employers' needs and labour market demands for skilled workers.
ASEP's ultimate success is contingent on the strong partnership forged between Aboriginal groups, the private sector, federal, provincial and/or territorial governments, labour, and educational institutions. Since the program's inception, HRSDC has successfully delivered programming with over 90 partners.
Budget 2009 committed to enhance the availability of training by investing an additional $100 million over three years in the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership (ASEP) initiative. This investment will support up to 25 new ASEP projects, which will result in up to 6,000 jobs for Aboriginal people.
