January 22, 2015
Prince George
Natural Resources Canada
The Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today emphasized the importance of creating enduring opportunities for Aboriginal communities through responsible resource development in his keynote speech at the 12th annual Premier’s BC Natural Resource Forum luncheon.
Enhancing Aboriginal engagement in all aspects of resource development is a key component of the Government’s plan for Responsible Resource Development, which offers a comprehensive approach to creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity while strengthening Canada’s environmental protection.
On behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Minister Rickford announced a number of new initiatives through the Strategic Partnerships Initiative to help Aboriginal communities participate in B.C.’s natural resource development, realize economic development opportunities and protect the environment:
- An investment of almost $3.5 million over three years for the New Relationship Trust for the Aboriginal Labour Market Community Navigators initiative. This project will create stronger linkages with training institutions to help Aboriginal Peoples obtain the skills they need for jobs such as those in the liquefied natural gas sector. The Government of British Columbia is also a key partner in the initiative, helping with its initial design as well as supporting its implementation.
- An investment of $85,800 to support skills training by the Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment and Training Association. The funding will help provide participants with skills training and short-term certifications for trades-related employment opportunities in the energy sector.
- An investment of $25,500 with the Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance for a restoration project with fish habitat and aquatic resources in the Upper Fraser Watershed. The project will include collaboration among three First Nations groups: the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (CSTC), the Tl'azt'en Nation and the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation.
Earlier today, Minister Rickford met with the CSTC’s Tribal Chief Terry Teegee to discuss the fish habitat restoration project, as well as issues relating to the CSTC’s participation in energy infrastructure development.
The Honourable Greg Rickford
Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources
The Honourable Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
John Rustad
B.C.’s Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
Cliff Fregin
Chief Executive Officer, New Relationship Trust
Karin Hunt
Executive Director, Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment and Training Association
Gord Sterritt
Executive Director, Upper Fraser Fish Habitat Restoration Project
Alexandra Lemieux
Press Secretary
Office of Canada’s
Minister of Natural Resources
613-996-2007
or
Emily Hillstrom
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal
Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
or
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-992-4447
or
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and
Northern Development Canada
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Lisa Leslie
B.C. Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and
Reconciliation
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