CanNor-11-015
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (October 19, 2011) – Youth in the Northwest Territoriesnow have better access to training for skilled trades and technology, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and Minister of Health announced today.
"The Government of Canada recognizes that there is growing demand for skilled trades and technology workers in the North," said Minister Aglukkaq. "This initiative is a win-win opportunity, helping businesses meet their needs while ensuring northern youth get the skills necessary to obtain jobs that will assist them in building a more prosperous future."
CanNor's investment in Skills Canada NWT supported targeted programs and activities that provided northern youth with hands-on training in skilled trades and new technologies. The training was focused on long-term career development. Skills Canada NWT used the CanNor funding to purchase tools and equipment for regional competitions and skills clubs, deliver trades and technology coaching clinics, support participation in regional skills competitions, and market events and programs.
"CanNor has provided much needed support to help launch new programs like our regional skills competitions and to expand existing programs like our extracurricular Skills Clubs into new communities," said Jan Fullerton, Executive Director of Skills Canada NWT. "We are already seeing increased interest from private industry, corporations, and other potential partners thanks to these first steps."
This investment was made possible through CanNor's Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program, which focuses on long-term economic growth, economic diversification and capacity building in all three territories.
SINED is one of several economic development programs within CanNoris responsible for coordinating and delivering Canada's economic development across the North, and for related policy development and research.
Backgrounder - Government of Canada Supports Trade and Technology Skills for NWT Youth
Please visit these web sites to learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan and Canada's Northern Strategy.
For further information, please contact:
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Cailin Rodgers
Minister of Health and Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
613-957-0200
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (NWT Regional Office)
Petra White
Communications Advisor
867-766-8435
