Eel Ground, New Brunswick, January 14, 2010—Aboriginal people who face barriers to employment will get the training they need to obtain meaningful jobs in the commercial fishing industry.
Ms. Tilly O’Neill-Gordon, Member of Parliament for Miramichi, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced the Aboriginal Fisheries Essential Skills Development Project, which will be managed by the North Shore Micmac District Council.
“Aboriginal people are an important part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to create the best educated, the most skilled and the most flexible workforce in the world,” said Ms. O’Neill‑Gordon. “Through the training and partnerships provided by the North Shore Micmac District Council, Aboriginal people will gain the skills they need to participate in the commercial fishing industry and prepare for the jobs of the future.”
The District Council will receive $534,000 from the Government of Canada to provide job planning services and skills training for up to 50 Aboriginal people in New Brunswick. Fisheries planning and management will be a key part of the participants’ training.
The Aboriginal Skills and Training Strategic Investment Fund is part of a Canada’s Economic Action Plan investment of $200 million over three years to provide Aboriginal Canadians with training and skills development opportunities that create jobs in their communities. In total, the Economic Action Plan has committed $1.4 billion for training, on‑reserve housing, infrastructure and health.
More information about Canada’s Economic Action Plan can be found on the following Web site: www.actionplan.gc.ca.
- 30 -
This news release is available online at www.actionplan.gc.ca.
For further information (media only):
Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559