PROVINCE SIGNS ANOTHER PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) became the 43rd partner in the province's Aboriginal Employment Development Program (AEDP) today.

The agreement between SUMA and the Government of Saskatchewan will provide greater opportunities for Aboriginal people in the workplace.

"This partnership between SUMA and the Saskatchewan Government is another step forward for all people to participate fully in the social and economic fabric of this province," Aboriginal Affairs Minister Eldon Lautermilch said. "In order for Saskatchewan to reach its full potential Aboriginal people must participate and benefit from the economy."

The AEDP strives to build a workforce in Saskatchewan where Aboriginal people compete for jobs based on their skills and qualifications, and where they have representation at all occupational levels in proportion to their population numbers in the province.

"I am pleased to sign this agreement on behalf of Saskatchewan's cities, towns and villages and hope this will prompt member communities to do the same," SUMA President Mike Badham said. "As an association we can lead by example through our participation in this agreement. I encourage all of our members to lead by their own example when it comes to working with the Aboriginal community to develop plans and programs which promote new employment opportunities that include Aboriginal people."

SUMA represents the interests of municipal governments on policy and program matters within provincial jurisdiction that is specific to them. SUMA has agreed to encourage its membership to foster, promote and facilitate Aboriginal employment development.

Through AEDP partnerships, employers have successfully hired more than 1,500 qualified Aboriginal people.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Anna Arneson Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-8008 Email: aarneson@graa.gov.sk.ca