Harper Government Helps to provide Aboriginal Students at Six Nations Polytechnic with Tailored Post-Secondary Skills and Training

Canada's Post-Secondary Partnerships Program links education program to local labour market needs

SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER, ON, July 23, 2015 /CNW/ - Phil McColeman, Member of Parliament for Brant, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today announced support to the Six Nations Polytechnic, for programs designed and delivered to prepare First Nation youth with the skills and training needed to join the labour market.

Member of Parliament McColeman made the announcement during a visit to Six Nations Polytechnic, which is receiving $1,401,840 for a number of programs in various high-demand sectors.

By promoting post-secondary education programming with labour market needs, the Government of Canada is ensuring that youth are equipped with the tools and opportunities they need to find and hold meaningful, sustainable jobs.

The revamped Post-Secondary Partnerships Program (formerly the Indian Studies Support Program) aligns with government priorities by supporting post-secondary institutions to develop/deliver courses with a strong relationship to labour market needs.

Quick Facts

• AANDC's post-secondary education programs are specifically intended to support First Nation and Inuit students and provide them with the opportunity to acquire the skills needed to enter the labour market and be full participants in a strong Canadian economy.
• A total of 73 projects across Canada are receiving support to assist Canadian post-secondary institutions in the design and delivery of college- and university-level courses that respond to local labour market needs.
• The Post-Secondary Partnerships Program was launched in 2013-2014 to introduce a competitive, national proposal driven process based on merit and focused on meeting labour market needs.
• First Nation and Inuit students can also benefit from federal post-secondary education support such as the Canada Student Loans and Grants Program and Can Learn.

Quotes

"I am proud that our Government is supporting both First Nation and Inuit learners and the Six Nations Polytechnic. Through specifically tailored curriculum and skills training, this project will ensure that students are better prepared to participate fully in Canada's growing economy."

Phil McColeman
Member of Parliament for Brant

"Our Government is delivering results for Canadians and supporting measures that will help create jobs and opportunities for Aboriginal people. That's why our Government continues to support initiatives that will create concrete and lasting results in the lives of Aboriginal students. This is about getting the skills and training they need to find and keep a good job and improves their overall well-being."

Bernard Valcourt,
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

"The funding received from the Government of Canada through the Post-Secondary Partnerships Program is critical as it supports programs that affirm cultural identity while developing understanding across cultures. These two outcomes are essential to student success in education, training and employment and to maintaining positive relationships with Indigenous peoples into the future for the benefit of all."

Rebecca Jamieson,
President/CEO, Six Nations Polytechnic

Associated Links

AANDC's Post-Secondary Partnerships Program 
Post-Secondary Partnerships Program 2015-2016 Guidelines 
AANDC's Aboriginal Bursaries Search Tool 
Canada Student Loans Program 
Can Learn
Indspire
AANDC's Post-Secondary Education Programs

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SOURCE Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

For further information: Andrea Richer, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, 819-953-1160