Harper Government Helps to Provide Aboriginal Students at the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies with Tailored Post-Secondary Skills and Training

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

SASKATOON, July 30, 2015 /CNW/ - Brad Trost, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Humboldt, on behalf of The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today announced support to the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) for programs designed and delivered to prepare First Nation youth with the skills and training needed to join today's labour market.

Member of Parliament Trost announced that SIIT is receiving $1.09 million in Post Secondary Partnerships Program (PSPP) funding, to administer three programs that will allow students to build the skills needed to access jobs within the business and healthcare sectors.

By promoting post-secondary education programming linked to labour market needs, the Government of Canada is ensuring that youth are equipped with the tools and skills needed to take advantage of today's opportunities and secure 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 and 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 of First Nation and Inuit students.
• 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 today's labour market needs.
• First Nation and Inuit students can further benefit from AANDC's Post Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP), University and College Entrance Preparation (UCEP), and additional 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 learners and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies. Through specifically-tailored curriculum and skills training, these courses will ensure that SIIT students are better prepared to participate fully in Canada's growing economy."

Brad Trost
Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Humboldt

"Our Government is delivering results for Canadians and supporting measures that will help create jobs and opportunities for Aboriginal people. I firmly believe that a good job beats any social program out there; 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 improve their overall well-being."

Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies is pleased to receive funding from the Government of Canada's Post-Secondary Partnerships Program. This important contribution to our Addictions, Business and Health Care Aide programs will help ensure that our young people are equipped with skills they need to find meaningful employment and grow our economy."

Riel Bellegarde
President and CEO
Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies

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 Government of Canada

For further information: Emily Hillstrom, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, 819-953-1160