Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (March 30, 2009) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today announced over $1 million in funding to support skills training in the Northwest Territories.
"In order for northern development to be sustainable, it is vital that it benefits Northerners first and foremost," said Minister Strahl. "Our Government recognizes this, and Canada's support for northern skills training has never been greater."
The funding will support the Heavy Equipment Operator Program delivered through Aurora College, allowing the college to purchase equipment for training in smaller communities in the Dehcho and South Slave regions of the NWT. Graduates of the program will be able to work for a wide range of employers and gain transferable skills that remain in the community.
"Aurora College is always seeking ways to expand programming opportunities to smaller northern communities," said Maurice Evans, President of Aurora College. "This much-needed equipment will greatly increase our capacity for heavy equipment operator training."
The Northwest Territories' economy has grown at an accelerated rate over the past ten years, leading to significant new employment and business opportunities. This program will allow Northerners to contribute to that growth. Funding for this project comes from the Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) initiative. SINED is a set of programs offered by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada in the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut. Its goal is to promote economic development in the North – strengthening territorial economies and generating important opportunities for Northerners. Budget 2009: Canada's Economic Action Plan committed $90 million over five years to renew SINED.
Backgrounder - Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED)
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Nina Chiarelli
Canada Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
(819) 997-0002
Aurora College
Tim Gauthier
Manager, Public and Corporate Affairs
(867) 872-7002
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, NWT Region
Zuniqua Nilakantha
Communications Officer
(867) 669-2458
