Helping Indigenous people in Vancouver gain vital job skills and experience
VANCOUVER, Nov. 14, 2017 /CNW/ - Indigenous peoples represent the youngest and fastest-growing segment of Canada's population. The Government of Canada, Indigenous communities and other partners need to work together to remove barriers to employment and ensure Indigenous youth get the skills and opportunities they need to succeed in today's workforce.
The Government of Canada will provide approximately $2.2 million in funding for this project under the Skills Partnership Fund (SPF), which was announced today by Joyce Murray, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra, on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour.
The Musqueam 'Breaking the Barriers' Employment Services & Support Program will provide client assessments, essential skills training, job readiness training, vocational training, industry certificate training, and work experience placements that will assist a total of 240 Indigenous participants within the Lower Mainland of BC. Participants will be paired with experienced mentors creating a culture of mentorship in the Musqueam community. This program will promote an enhanced quality of life, as it engages community members in the emerging Musqueam Labour Market.
The SPF supports partnerships between Indigenous organizations and training institutions, community organizations, local business and industry, to enhance skills development for Indigenous peoples. These partnership- based projects help to address a broad range of socio-economic issues facing Indigenous peoples.
Quotes
"Our programs specifically target clients who have challenges with individual skill sets. After assisting our clients to upgrade these essential skills, our training programs are designed to link individuals to an appropriate career or further training in a field they are interested in."
– Wanona Scott, Employment & Training Manager for the Musqueam Indian Band
"Together, the Musqueam Band and the Government of Canada are helping people get the skills and experience they need to build stronger communities and to contribute to our growing middle class. I'm pleased to see this investment in Vancouver Quadra and excited to see the results of increased opportunity and economic development for the historic Musqueam community.
– Joyce Murray, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra
"Our Government is focused on renewing its nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous people, based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership. Creating partnerships through the Skills Partnership Fund means Indigenous peoples will have access to the job opportunities they need to succeed."
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
Quick Facts
- Indigenous people in Canada represent the youngest and fastest-growing segment of the country's population. Over the next decade, 400,000 Indigenous youth will be preparing to enter the workforce.
- The SPF receives $50 million in funding per year, and to date has leveraged approximately $250 million (cash and in-kind) from partnerships since its inception.
- From April 2010 to March 2017, the SPF has served more than 32,000 Indigenous clients, which included helping over 12,500 individuals get jobs in various sectors such as natural resources, trades, health, retail and tourism, and assisting 1,650 individuals to return to school.
Associated Links
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/skills-partnership.html
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
For further information: Caleigh Garland, Office of Joyce Murray, 604-664-9220, [email protected]; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
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