Harper Government supports Aboriginal skills development in Nova Scotia

TRURO, NS, May 19, 2015 /CNW/ - Scott Armstrong, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Cumberland–Colchester–Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of Employment and Social Development, today announced funding, through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS), to the Native Council of Nova Scotia. This federal investment will provide Aboriginal people with training and work experience, including in the skilled trades.

The Native Council of Nova Scotia is receiving an investment to provide essential and job skills training for over 90 Aboriginal people across Nova Scotia. Working with other levels of government, the private sector, educational and training institutions, and other partners, the Council will deliver programs that respond to the needs of Aboriginal people in Nova Scotia, such as training for occupations in construction and the oil and gas industry. This investment is worth more than $328,000.

This funding is being provided as part of a one-year extension of ASETS. Employment and Social Development Canada is currently exploring options to renew and improve Aboriginal labour market programming post-2016.

Quick Facts

• ASETS links training to labour market demand. It supports over 80 Aboriginal organizations throughout Canada in the delivery of programs and services to increase Aboriginal participation in the job market.
• Aboriginal youth are the fastest-growing demographic in Canada, and require support to help them fully realize their potential and meaningfully participate in Canada's economy.
• Since 2010, ASETS has helped over 73,000 Aboriginal people find a job and over 35,000 return to school.

Quote

"Our Government's top priorities are reducing taxes, creating jobs and economic growth, and long-term prosperity for all Canadians. Working together with the Native Council of Nova Scotia and their partners, we are helping Aboriginal people get the skills and training they need to secure meaningful employment and build better futures for themselves and their families."
– Scott Armstrong, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Cumberland–Colchester–Musquodoboit Valley

Associated Links

Canada's Economic Action Plan 
Aboriginal Labour Market Programs

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Backgrounder

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Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy

The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) supports over 80 Aboriginal organizations throughout Canada that deliver skills training and support services to prepare First Nations, Métis and Inuit people to succeed in the workforce. It focuses on three strategic priorities: supporting skills development; fostering partnerships with the private sector and the provinces and territories; and accountability and results.

Other Aboriginal Labour Market Programs

The Government of Canada also funds the Skills and Partnership Fund (SPF). SPF encourages Aboriginal organizations to create partnerships with government, business and community organizations that improve skills training and create opportunities for Aboriginal people. This program responds to the changing needs and priorities of the labour market, while providing opportunities for Aboriginal people to fully participate in Canada's economy.

The Government of Canada is also improving the Income Assistance on reserve program. A key component of this initiative is the $109 million First Nations Job Fund. The Job Fund provides personalized job training to young Income Assistance recipients in participating communities so they can develop the right skills to secure jobs. 

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

For further information: Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [e-mail]