AEDP CELEBRATES ITS 81ST PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

The Government of Saskatchewan today signed an Aboriginal Employment Development Program (AEDP) partnership agreement with the City of North Battleford, the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 287 and the Saskatchewan Professional Fire Fighter's Association No. 1756 to increase job opportunities for Saskatchewan Aboriginal people in the North Battleford area.

"I commend our new partners for joining with the Government of Saskatchewan in preparing workplaces and helping to foster the creation of a representative workforce," Health Minister Len Taylor said on behalf of First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag. "We share a common vision in Saskatchewan where all families have the opportunity to succeed and realize their dreams of building a better future right here at home. Today is a day of celebration, as our new partners join us in the quest to achieve that vision."

The partners in this latest agreement join Saskatchewan Health Districts, the University of Regina, the Touchwood Agency Tribal Council, IPSCO, the Federation of Labour, INAC, the North West Catholic School Division, the Community of Nipawin, the Kawacatoose First Nation and all the other businesses, unions, Aboriginal organizations, health organizations, post-secondary institutes and community based organizations who have already joined as valuable partners in this process.

"An agreement was originally entered into with the Province in June 2005, however, this new partnership signing together with our two Union Associations denotes a further and enhanced commitment to achieving the objectives of the AEDP," North Battleford City Manager Jim Toye said.

"CUPE Local 287's participation in this Aboriginal Partnership Agreement is a positive and significant step forward in efforts to achieve equality both in the workplace and in the Union," CUPE Local 287 President John Storgard said. "We enthusiastically and fully support a representative workforce. Our involvement with Aboriginal Partnership agreements shows that this local is truly 'On the Front Line' of changing attitudes."

Through the Aboriginal Employment Development Program, Saskatchewan is working with its partners to meet provincial labour market needs through work place preparation. By building linkages to the First Nations and Métis workforce, the program strives to ensure representation at all occupational levels. This participation is integral to Saskatchewan's future success.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Sharon Erickson
First Nations and Métis Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-7177
Email: serickson@fnmr.gov.sk.ca