GOVERNMENT OF CANADA PARTNERS WITH SASKATCHEWAN AND RESOURCE INDUSTRY TO IMPROVE ABORIGINAL TRAINING AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Carol Skelton, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar, on behalf of Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Saskatchewan Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris today announced funding for an Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership (ASEP) project.

It will provide training and skills development opportunities for 1,500 Aboriginal people in northern Saskatchewan, leading to long-term jobs in the resource sector, including mining, oil sands recovery, mineral exploration and oil and gas exploration.

Speaking at Cameco's corporate head office in Saskatoon, one of several industry partners participating in the project, Ms. Skelton announced $33 million in joint funding for the Northern Career Quest Partnership project.

"In Budget 2008, we reinforced our commitment to fostering partnerships involving the private and public sectors that help Aboriginal people get the skills and training they need to take advantage of opportunities in the North and across Canada," said Skelton. "Together, we can help to ensure that Aboriginal people in northern Saskatchewan have access to the skills and tools they need to reach their full potential."

Under the Northern Career Quest Partnership, the Government of Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan and other stakeholders, including Aboriginal and industry partners, will provide $15 million, $6.3 million, and $11.8 million respectively, for a total of $33.1 million, to help approximately 1,500 Aboriginal people gain the skills and experience they need.

"This is a good news story about co-operation between government, First Nations and Métis people, the training sector and industry," Norris said. "It will enable First Nations and Métis people to participate in greater numbers and at higher skill levels in northern Saskatchewan's resource industries."

"The co-operation of communities, industry and government has made uranium mining an engine of social and economic progress in northern Saskatchewan," Northern Career Quest Inc. chair and vice-president of Corporate Social Responsibility for Cameco Gary Merasty said. "This agreement will help provide First Nations and Métis people with the skills and knowledge needed to benefit fully from opportunities in the North, and ensure progress continues."

The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership is a nationally managed program that provides Aboriginal people with the skills they need to participate in economic opportunities such as northern mining, oil and gas, and hydro development projects across Canada. ASEP's overall objective is sustainable employment for Aboriginal people in major economic industries, leading to lasting benefits for Aboriginal communities, families and individuals.

In 2007, the Government of Canada committed an additional $105 million to the ASEP program, an investment that will result in training for more than 16,000 Aboriginal people and 10,000 new jobs in and around their communities for Aboriginal workers. In Budget 2008, the Government of Canada committed $70 million over two years for measures to foster Aboriginal economic development.

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For more information, contact:

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
Phone: 819-994-5559

Chris Jones-Bonk
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3106
Email: chris.jones-bonk@gov.sk.ca