First Nations, Inuits and the Quebec Government: Together for the Launch of the Inaugural First Nations and Inuit Professional Integration Ministerial Strategy

Quebec City, June 13, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - It is with the hope of fostering the socioeconomic prosperity of First Nations and Inuit Peoples that the AFNQL will work to strengthen its relations with the Quebec government as part of the implementation of the Inaugural First Nations and Inuit Professional Integration Ministerial Strategy. 

TOGETHER
Chief Harry St-Denis of the Wolf Lake First Nation, Employment and Training portfolio holder at the AFNQL and Jennifer Munick, President of the Kativik Regional Government (KRG) have jointly announced this Strategy today alongside François Blais, Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity also Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region and Geoffrey Kelley, Minister responsible for Native Affairs (SAA).

"I assure you that, given the extent of our needs, Quebec will in no way have to substitute for Canada – and that only our combined efforts will enable us to give the First Nations and Inuit workforce the opportunity to achieve their full potential."

Chief Harry St-Denis, Wolf Lake First Nation

LABOR MARKET PARTNERS
The collaboration between the ministère du Travail, de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale (MTESS), the First Nations and Inuit Peoples, which led to the development of this Ministerial Strategy, emerged following the dissemination of a Formal Opinion by the First Nations and Inuit Labour Market Advisory Committee (FNILMAC) in June 2013.

"We are all here together because we share a deep conviction that employment is a powerful vehicle for prosperity and well-being for communities and individuals alike, and also because an ongoing and constant collaboration between your Ministry and our structures is necessary for the success of this new Ministerial Strategy initiative."

Ralph Cleary, Vice-President of the FNILMAC and Executive Director of the FNHRDCQ

"The strategy announced today is the result of a great deal of collaboration between First Nations, Inuit and Quebec government officials that was achieved despite existing linguistic and cultural differences. This strategy will generate concrete actions and represents a turning point for the Nunavimmiut and urban Inuit trying to enter the workforce and those aspiring to better jobs. On behalf of the Kativik Regional Government, I would like to thank Ministers François Blais and Geoffrey Kelley for their firm commitment to this dossier."

Jennifer Munick, KRG President

The actions to be taken as part of this initiative will help the MTESS to better understand and serve Aboriginal clients as well as allow them to benefit more from the available training and employment opportunities. Moreover, this Ministerial Strategy will be part of the Quebec government's Action Plan for the Social and Cultural Development of First Nations and Inuit Peoples.

"Aboriginal people face significant challenges relative to employment integration. Through this Strategy, we want to increase First Nations and Inuit participation in the workforce and thus contribute to the fight against poverty and social inclusion. As a result, we are encouraging the development of a workforce that can meet the recruitment needs of Quebec businesses."

François Blais, Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region

"Aboriginal people have a lot to offer to society, especially related to the labor market. The youth population is constantly increasing; they want and deserve to access a job that matches their ambitions. I am confident that the Strategy will facilitate the integration of First Nations and Inuit communities into the labor market and, more broadly, into the Quebec society. Thus, I am convinced that we will collectively gain from an improved access to employment for all."

Geoffrey Kelley, Minister responsible for Native Affairs

MUTUAL ENGAGEMENT
Today's signed statement of intention confirms that the First Nations and Inuit Peoples, the MTESS and the SAA will join forces to achieve the objectives of this Strategy. 

About the AFNQL
The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is a political organization comprised of 43 First Nations Chiefs in Quebec and Labrador. www.apnql-afnql.com

About the FNHRDCQ
Created by the AFNQL, the First Nations Human Resources Development Commission of Quebec (FNHRDCQ) has been working for the past 20 years to promote, implement and disseminate initiatives that foster active participation as well as training and integration of Quebec's First Nations in the workforce. www.employnations.com

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador

Odile Joannette, Director of Partnerships and Communications First Nations Human Resources Development Commission of Quebec, Phone: [phone]; Simon Laboissonnière, Press Secretary, Cabinet of the Ministry of Employment and Social Solidarity (MESS) and the Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region, Phone: [phone]