Kamloops, British Columbia, February 20, 2012—Ms. Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo, today announced a Government of Canada investment that will enable up to 120 Aboriginal people in Kamloops to develop skills that will help them find and keep good jobs. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“Our government’s top priority is job creation and economic growth. In a constantly evolving labour market, it’s important that Canadians get the skills and training they need to succeed,” said Ms. McLeod. “This is why we work with organizations, such as the First Nations Agricultural Association, to ensure Aboriginal people are able to take full advantage of economic opportunities.”
Through the Government of Canada’s Skills and Partnership Fund, the First Nations Agricultural Association is receiving more than $856,000 for its Career in Agriculture and Agri-Foods Industry Program.
Through the Career in Agriculture and Agri-Foods Industry Program, the First Nations Agricultural Association will help Aboriginal people get the necessary skills and training they need to get jobs in the agriculture and agri-foods industry. The participants will be enrolled in eight skill-building and work-experience projects in areas ofBritish Columbiawhere there is a high demand for qualified people in the agriculture and agri-food industries.
The Fund is part of the Government’s approach to help First Nations, Métis and Inuit get training and work experience to secure sustainable, meaningful employment. It is intended to encourage innovation in Aboriginal training-to-employment products and service delivery.
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This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Alyson Queen
Director of Communications
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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Launched in July 2010, the Skills and Partnership Fund encourages Aboriginal organizations to create partnerships with government, business and community organizations that drive change, improve skills training and create opportunities for Aboriginal people.
The Government of Canada is investing $210 million over five years in this partnership-based, opportunity driven fund. The Fund supports projects that encourage innovation, test new approaches and address systemic gaps in the delivery of employment services for Aboriginal Canadians to ensure this growing population can fully share in economic opportunities. All Aboriginal organizations are eligible to apply for funding under the program.
The Skills and Partnership Fund builds on the success of earlier Aboriginal employment programs. It responds to the changing needs and priorities of the labour market while providing opportunities for Aboriginal people to fully participate inCanada’s economy.
The Government of Canada also supports the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy, which is an integrated approach to Aboriginal labour market programming that links training to labour market demand. The Strategy supports more than 80 Aboriginal organizations in the delivery of programs and services to increase Aboriginal participation in the Canadian labour market. It focuses on three strategic priorities: supporting skills development; fostering partnerships with the private sector and the provinces and territories; and accountability and results. The program was launched in April 2010 with funding of $1.6 billion over five years.
