January 31, 2014 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
More than 240 young First Nation adults in Quebec will be connected to skills training and jobs thanks to the Government of Canada's new initiative to improve on-reserve Income Assistance. These investments will provide personalized supports to First Nations youth as they secure the tools needed to find meaningful employment and reduce their reliance on income assistance.
In Quebec, the Listuguj Mi'gmaq Government, Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, Mohawk Council of Kahnawake, Atikamekw de Manawan and the Conseil des Montagnais du Lac-St-Jean–Mashteuiatsh will be implementing the new Enhanced Service Delivery in five First Nation communities. All of the five of First Nations communities are participating at the request of their local First Nations leadership. These organizations will be working with Commission de développement des ressources humaines des Premières Nations du Québec to provide on-reserve First Nations youth ages 18-24 with personalized assessments and job training plans.
This is part of the over $19.4 million in funding being provided this year by the Government of Canada to 22 Tribal Councils, First Nations and First Nation organizations to begin work in 70 First Nation communities across the country, providing support to young First Nations income assistance clients. A total of 22 pairs of joint proposals (22 Enhanced Service Delivery and 11 First Nations Job Fund) were approved. Together these organizations will ensure that eligible income assistance clients have access to necessary training through the newly created First Nations Job Fund.
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
