NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY COMMEMORATED WITH PARTNERSHIP SIGNINGS

Two new partnership agreements signed today by Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis Relations and the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region (RQHR), its affiliates, unions and health organizations is designed to create employment opportunities for First Nations and Métis people in the health care sector.

"I commend Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region, its affiliates, unions and health organizations for signing today's Aboriginal Employment Development Program (AEDP) partnership agreement with the province," First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "What a wonderful way to commemorate National Aboriginal Day by joining with our partners and striving to achieve the common vision of a representative workforce where every person has the opportunity to be a full participant in the economic and social fabric of this province."

Through the AEDP, the Saskatchewan Government strives to build a representative workforce where First Nations and Métis people compete for jobs based on their skills and qualifications, and where they are represented at all occupational levels in proportion to their population numbers in the province.

"SAHO has played a part in 1,900 new Aboriginal hires in the health care sector over the last 10 years," Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations board chair Alex Taylor said. "What better day to celebrate this achievement than National Aboriginal Day? We are pleased to move forward with this important signing, which will no doubt lead to a more representative health care workforce in Saskatchewan."

"Having the support of our partners will help us reach the goal of our Representative Workforce Program," RQHR chairperson Murray Knuttila said. "That goal is to have the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region's workforce reflect the community and the diversity of our clients; the people we serve."

Today's signings will bring the total to 71 Aboriginal Employment Development Program Agreements signed. Partnerships have been signed with large public and private sector employers, organized labour, government departments, First Nations and Métis organizations, post-secondary institutions and community based organizations.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Alethea Foster First Nations and Métis Relations Regina Phone: (306) 787-5701