Aboriginal Workforce Development of New Brunswick Inc.

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Government of Canada Supports Aboriginal Skills Development in New Brunswick

FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK

Sept. 30, 2011

Many New Brunswick Aboriginal people will get the skills they need to find and keep jobs through an innovative project supported by the Government of Canada. The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament for Fredericton, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

"Our Government's top priority is the economy and we know that in a constantly evolving labour market, it's important that Canadians get the skills and training they need to succeed," said Mr. Ashfield. "Staying committed to our low-tax plan for job creation and long-term growth will always involve working with stakeholders to ensure Aboriginal people have access to, and benefit from, various job opportunities."

In today's digital economy, Canadians increasingly need digital skills to find and maintain employment. Aboriginal Workforce Development of New Brunswick Inc. will receive $3,546,540 under the Skills and Partnership Fund (SPF) for its New Brunswick Aboriginal Information and Communications Technology (AICT) Development Program. Through this program, training modules will be developed and implemented to train up to 150 Aboriginal people in New Brunswick and prepare them for employment opportunities in the information and communications technology sector.

"This is an excellent opportunity for the Mi'kmaq and the Wolastoqiyik people of New Brunswick to participate in the evolving Information and Communications Technology Sector," said Alex Dedam, Chair of the Aboriginal Workforce Development Initiative. "This growing sector provides the opportunity to continue to engage the Aboriginal communities, Industry and our various Governments, as well as to build new partnerships that will turn into long-lasting relationships. We are very excited to build on our past success and to provide a great opportunity for the Aboriginal people of New Brunswick to obtain industry-driven training that will lead to rewarding careers."

Aboriginal Workforce Development of New Brunswick Inc., along with New Brunswick's Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, First Nations communities from across New Brunswick, Joint Economic Development Initiative, New Brunswick Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat and First Nations Business Liaison Group, will contribute approximately $4,124,440 to this initiative over three years. The organization has also received federal support through the Aboriginals Skills and Employment Partnership program.

The SPF is part of the Government's approach to help First Nations, Métis and Inuit people get training and work experience to secure sustainable, meaningful employment. It is intended to encourage innovation in Aboriginal training-to-employment products and service delivery. It also supports key Government of Canada priorities, such as the Digital Economy Strategy.

This news release is available in alternative formats on request.

Backgrounder

Launched in July 2010, the Skills and Partnership Fund (SPF) encourages Aboriginal organizations to create partnerships with government, business and community organizations that drive change, improve skills training and create opportunities for Aboriginal people.

The Government of Canada is investing $210 million over five years in this partnership-based, opportunity driven fund. SPF provides funding for projects that encourage innovation, test new approaches and address systemic gaps in the delivery of employment services for Aboriginal Canadians to ensure this growing population can fully share in economic opportunities. All Aboriginal organizations are eligible to apply for funding under the program.

The SPF builds on the success of earlier Aboriginal employment programs, responding to the changing needs and priorities of the labour market, while providing opportunities for Aboriginal people to fully participate in Canada's economy.

The Government of Canada also supports the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS), which is an integrated approach to Aboriginal labour market programming that links training to labour market demand. The Strategy supports more than 80 Aboriginal organizations in the delivery of programs and services to increase Aboriginal participation in the Canadian labour market. ASETS focuses on three strategic priorities: supporting skills development; fostering partnerships with the private sector and the provinces and territories; as well as accountability and results. The program was launched in April 2010 with funding of $1.6 billion over five years.