Government of Canada improves training and job opportunities for Aboriginal people

January 23, 2009

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, January 23, 2009—At least 200 Aboriginal people will gain valuable skills and employment experience leading to work in the aerospace industry through a new project announced today by the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Provencher. Minister Toews made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, at the Aboriginal Centre of Winnipeg.
“The Government of Canada is taking steps to ensure that Aboriginal people fully share in economic opportunities,” said Minister Toews. “This project will offer Aboriginal people the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs in the aerospace sector, support their families, and strengthen their communities and the local economy.”

The Aboriginal Aerospace Employment Initiative project, through a formalized partnership with the Aboriginal community, industry and the Province of Manitoba, will provide at least 200 Aboriginal participants with the literacy, essential skills, vocational training and on-the-job training required to work in the aerospace industry.
“This initiative is part of Manitoba’s Rewarding Work strategy, and we expect it to have far-reaching benefits for many Aboriginal families and individuals,” said the Honourable Gord Mackintosh, Minister of Family Services and Housing. “It also builds on our joint efforts to further develop a highly skilled labour market in Manitoba and expand Manitoba’s vigorous aerospace industry.”

Partners contributing to this project include Boeing Canada Technology, Standard Aero, Bristol Aerospace Limited, the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD), the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg, the Government of Manitoba and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, which represents the Manitoba Keewatinook Ininew Okimowin and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization.

“It is an exciting time for the aerospace industry in Manitoba, and we remain focused on growth,” said Mr. Bruce Clarke, Chairman of the Aboriginal Aerospace Initiative. “Manitoba Aerospace has great respect for the work CAHRD has done to date with our industry and looks forward to the possibilities of this partnership. We acknowledge the support of the Governments of Canada and Manitoba, who are also contributing to the success of this project.”

“CAHRD is looking forward to continuing to work with Manitoba Aerospace Human Resources Coordinating Committee, the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the aerospace industry,” said Ms. Marileen Bartlett, Executive Director of CAHRD. “One of our partner companies already has close to a 10 percent Aboriginal work force, and CAHRD is proud to be a contributing factor in that accomplishment. CAHRD has always been committed to helping our community become self-sufficient, and this new program will certainly help our students with obtaining that goal.”

The Government of Canada is supporting this project through its Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership program. This program provides Aboriginal people with the training and skills they need to take advantage of job opportunities in industries like aerospace, as well as mining, oil and gas, forestry, and fishery. The Government is investing $5.2 million in this project.

Through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership program, the Government of Canada is aiming to train more than 16,000 Aboriginal people and provide jobs for more than 10,000 Aboriginal workers.