CAMPBELL RIVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, OCTOBER 22, 2010 - Aboriginal people will get the skills they need to find and keep jobs as a result of a Government of Canada funded project. The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, made the announcement today, 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 across British Columbia," said Minister Duncan. "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 North Vancouver Island Aboriginal Training Society is receiving support for a project that will address skill shortages and provide improved job skills programs and employment services to Aboriginal people. Many Aboriginal people are expected to be placed in jobs over the duration of the project. Aboriginal youth will also get help to return to school or to find full-time jobs in industries where there are skills shortages. Strong partnerships with government, industry, educational and training institutions and other community service providers will be created.
"This Government of Canada funding will allow us to continue to provide assistance to Aboriginal people in our communities," said Mr. George Speck, Chairman of the North Vancouver Island Aboriginal Training Society. "Enhanced training programs that make use of both public and private sector partnerships will lead to meaningful, sustainable employment."
The Government of Canada is providing over $6 million over four-and-a-half-years for this project through its Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS). ASETS 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.
