January 19, 2015 – Halifax, NS – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice, Attorney General of Canada and Regional Minister for Nova Scotia on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today announced support to the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Society to help increase the participation of urban Aboriginal people living in Atlantic Canada to take advantage of the local economy.
With support from the Harper Government, the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Society will develop community strategic plans to better address barriers to employment for urban Aboriginal people living in Atlantic Canada. They will work in collaboration with Friendship Centres, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples regional affiliates and key stakeholders in five key urban centres in Atlantic Canada (Halifax, Fredericton, Charlottetown, St John's, and Happy Valley-Goose Bay). The community plans will form the basis of the Atlantic Urban Aboriginal Strategy plan. Both the regional and community strategic plans will ensure a coordinated and focussed effort in support of urban Aboriginal peoples across the province in acquiring the necessary skills for employment.
Funding is provided as part of the Government of Canada's Urban Aboriginal Strategy aimed at increasing the participation of urban Aboriginal people in Canada's economy by developing partnerships and supporting initiatives in communities across the country.
Emily Hillstrom
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
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