KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, October 18, 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. Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country, 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 in British Columbia," said Mr. Cannan. "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 Okanagan Training and Development Council (OTDC) will receive support to continue projects that design and deliver job-related programs and services to Aboriginal people in the Okanagan Valley, West Kootenay and Similkameen areas. Many Aboriginal people are expected to be placed in jobs over the duration of the project, and Aboriginal youth will get help to return to school or to find full-time work. The project will also create strong partnerships between government, industry, educational and training institutions, and community service providers.
"OTDC has been successfully delivering labour market programs in the Okanagan and West Kootenay area for over 12 years", said Mr. Raf DeGuevara, Chair of Okanagan Training and Development Council. "We are looking forward to working with our partners and are excited to have the continued support of Human Resources and Skills Development, which allows us to continue to deliver programs and services that assist Aboriginal people to get the skills they need for the jobs of the future."
The Government of Canada is providing over $8 million 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 a partnership- and results-based strategy that builds on the successes of a previous program, 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.