January 21, 2015 – Red Deer, AB – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Earl Dreeshen, Member of Parliament for Red Deer, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, announced support to the Red Deer Native Friendship Society for a project aimed at helping increase the participation of urban Aboriginal people living in Red Deer in the local economy.
With support from the Harper Government, the Red Deer Native Friendship Society will participate in the development and implementation of a community strategic plan to better address barriers to employment for urban Aboriginal people living in Red Deer, Alberta.
The creation of an urban Aboriginal community strategic plan for the city of Red Deer is being coordinated by the Urban Aboriginal Voices Society. The plan will bring together local governments, Aboriginal organizations, the private and not-for-profit sector in a coordinated effort to better address the needs of urban Aboriginal people in the Red Deer 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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