WABASCA, ALBERTA, October 25, 2010 - Aboriginal people will get the skills they need to find and keep jobs as a result of a Government of Canada-funded project. Mr. Brian Jean, Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray-Athabasca, made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
"Our government is helping Aboriginal people get the skills and training they need in the Bigstone First Nation," said Mr. Jean. "Investing in training is one of the most important measures our government is taking to protect Canada and its workers today, while strengthening the long-term competitiveness of our economy."
The Bigstone Cree Nation will receive support to continue projects that design and deliver job-related programs and services for Aboriginal people in Alberta. Many Aboriginal people are expected to be placed in jobs over the duration of the projects, and Aboriginal youth will get help to return to school or to find full-time employment. The projects will also create strong partnerships between government, industry, educational and training institutions, and community service providers.
The Government of Canada is providing $8 million over five years for these projects through its Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy. The Strategy is part of a government-wide approach to help First Nations, Métis and Inuit secure sustainable and meaningful employment.
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This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
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
The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Stategy (ASETS) is an integrated approach to Aboriginal labour market programming that will link training to labour market demand and ensure that the growing Aboriginal population is able to fully participate in economic opportunities. Through ASETS, the Government of Canada will be providing Aboriginal Agreement Holders with $1.6 billion over five years.
ASETS is the partnership- and results-based successor strategy to the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy. Implemented in 2010, ASETS focuses on three strategic priorities: supporting skills development; fostering partnerships with the private sector and the provinces and territories; and putting emphasis on accountability and results. The Government of Canada is working with partners across the country to facilitate the transition and planning process.
