September 17, 2010
SAGUENAY (QC) -- The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Minister of State (Agriculture) and Member of Parliament for Jonquière-Alma, today announced funding to the Cégep de Chicoutimi in support of their vocational training project in the field of electrical installation in Senegal. Minister Blackburn made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, following a meeting with college officials.
"The Cégep de Chicoutimi has a proven track record in of implementing international development projects," said Minister Blackburn. "The Cégep successfully implemented a human resources training program in Djibouti from 2001 to 2004, and I'm confident that this new project will reach the same level of success. The Government of Canada is proud to partner with such a globally-engaged community college."
This Education for Employment project in Africa will receive $300,000 in funding through the Canadian International Development Agency's (CIDA) partnership with the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC). This project is part of CIDA's Skills for Employment Initiative, which will provide more than $10 million to 25 community colleges across Canada for programs that help developing countries establish strong technical and vocational education and training systems in order to build the skilled workforces necessary for economic growth."Effective vocational training programs help people lift themselves out of poverty by providing greater opportunities for jobs and stable incomes," Minister Oda said. "This is why the Government of Canada has made sustainable economic growth a priority."
CIDA's Skills for Employment Initiative supports vocational and professional training projects in Africa, the Caribbean and the Andean region.
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Information :
Jessica Fletcher
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-6238
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819-953-6534
E-mail: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
