A new training program is underway to help build the capacity of Atlantic Canada's First Nations communities and achieve greater self-sufficiency.
"The Government of Canada will contribute $55,638 to support the development and delivery Atlantic Aboriginal Business Works Program," said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. "By supporting initiatives that provide skills building tools and resources to Aboriginal program managers and officers, our Government is helping to promote the economic growth and governance of Atlantic Canada's First Nations communities now and into the future."
The program, created by the Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO), will transfer skills and knowledge through a series of 24 business management workshops, complemented by one-on-one mentoring. Topics include communications skills, office management, project management, credit management and management skills. The workshops will be held during the 2010-2011 fiscal year and will be delivered to approximately 240 Aboriginal program managers and officers in the Atlantic region. The mentoring sessions will be led by volunteer advisors who have considerable experience and expertise in the areas of governance and capacity building to share with the program participants.
"Our clients appreciate the professional development opportunities this program offers their staff and they have encouraged us to expand and continue the program," said Robin Vernest, Manager National Services, CESO Atlantic. "Through our delivery model, participants benefit from the life experiences of our volunteer advisers. To date, 80 per cent of workshop participants have indicated they have gained new knowledge that they can apply to their work lives."
CESO is a non-profit, voluntary organization that helps to build independent communities. CESO Aboriginal Services has offered the services of its volunteer advisors to Canada's First Nations since 1969. Each year CESO carries out approximately 1,500 assignments in collaboration with Canadian Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal and international clients. CESO's Atlantic office is located in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
Funding for this program is provided through ACOA's Business Development Program, which supports projects that promote entrepreneurship development, training and marketing.
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FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Canadian Executive Service Organization has created a new program to help build the capacity of Atlantic Canada's First Nations communities, with financial assistance from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of ACOA and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced more than $55,000 to support the development and delivery of the Atlantic Aboriginal Business Works Program.
Tailored to meet the needs of Aboriginal program and office managers, this initiative will transfer skills and knowledge through a series of 24 business management workshops, complemented by one-on-one mentoring by volunteer advisors. The workshops will be held during the 2010-2011 fiscal year and will be delivered to approximately 240 Aboriginal program and office managers in Atlantic Canada.
Funding for this program is provided through ACOA's Business Development Program, which supports projects that promote entrepreneurship development, training and marketing.
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INFORMATION:
Rose May Gallant
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-851-3034
Robin Vernest
Manager, National Services
CESO Atlantic
902-461-9871
