SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN, April 7, 2010-Aboriginal people and employers are set to benefit from a project funded by the Government of Canada that will help include more Aboriginal people in the workforce. Mr. Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon–Wanuskewin, made the announcement today, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
"Our government is committed to skills development and training to strengthen our country's workforce," said Mr. Vellacott. "Canada's Economic Action Plan is helping to increase the recruitment, retention, and advancement of Aboriginal people."
Through the Government of Canada's Sector Council Program, the Aboriginal Human Resource Council will receive $2,250,000 for its Infrastructure Proposal project. With this funding, the Council will develop partnerships and strategies that meet the needs of Aboriginal people and employers. The Council will work with Aboriginal partners, government and stakeholders to help Aboriginal people upgrade their training and develop their skills so they can participate in the workforce.
"The Council is now in its second decade as a successful ISO-certified organization which continues to forge partnerships with Canada's leading private-public organizations and Aboriginal communities to advance First Nations, Métis and Inuit people in the workforce," said Mr. Kelly Lendsay, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Aboriginal Human Resource Council. "With this funding support, we can continue to deliver ground-breaking programs and services that advance Aboriginal recruitment, retention, advancement, procurement and career development and help companies understand the bottom-line workplace benefits of Aboriginal inclusion."
This investment is part of the Government of Canada's strategy to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce possible.
Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada is protecting Canadians from the impacts of the global economic downturn and providing for the country's long-term growth. A key component of the Plan is to create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development and training.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
Please visit Human Resources and Skills Development Canada's Web site at www.hrsdc.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
Sector Council Program
To compete in today's increasingly competitive global economy, the Government of Canada recognizes that it is important to help Canadians develop the skills they need to participate in the workforce.
Through the Sector Council Program, the Government is working with the private sector to enhance adult workers' skills through activities such as increasing employer investments in skills development and promoting workplace learning and training.
Sector councils bring together representatives of government, business, unions, and educational institutions to address key labour market issues, including recruitment, retraining and retention.
Aboriginal Human Resource Council
The Aboriginal Human Resource Council is a national public-private organization, founded in 1998 to increase Aboriginal participation in the labour market.
As a sector council, the Council works in partnership with employers, Aboriginal partners, industry associations/sector councils, learning institutions, and federal, provincial and territorial governments to develop and implement more effective Aboriginal workplace recruitment, retention and advancement strategies.
