January 20, 2015 – Grande Prairie, AB – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today announced support to the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre for a project aimed at helping to increase the participation of urban Aboriginal people living in Grande Prairie in the local economy.
With support from the Harper Government, the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre will participate in the development of a community strategic plan to better address barriers to employment for urban Aboriginal people living in Grande Prairie.
The plan will bring together local governments, Aboriginal organizations, the private and not-for-profit sectors in a coordinated effort to better address the needs of urban Aboriginal people in the Grande Prairie area.
Additionally, this project will feed into the development of the Urban Aboriginal Strategy Regional Strategic Plan for Alberta to ensure that efforts are aligned with the provincial government's economic and job creation priorities. 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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