2-02570

ABORIGINAL WORKFORCE PARTICIPATION INITIATIVE LAUNCHES A YUKON TOOLKIT FOR EMPLOYERS

WHITEHORSE, YUKON (January 20, 2005) - The Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for theYukon, today announced on behalf of the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, the launch of the Yukon Region Supplement to the Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative Employer Toolkit.

The Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative was started in 1991 as part of the federal government’s commitment to help Aboriginal people build stronger, healthier and more self-reliant communities. Its mandate is to increase the participation of Aboriginal people in the labour market.

Minister Scott said, “The Yukon Region Supplement to the Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative Employer Toolkit is a reflection of the Government of Canada’s strong commitment to build the capacity of Aboriginal communities and their employers, and to raise awareness of opportunities and employment issues for the Yukon’s Aboriginal people.”

In the Yukon, the Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative fulfills its commitment to increase the participation of Aboriginal people in the workforce through partnering with the Corporate community, information-sharing and networking, organizing and participating in conferences, seminars and workshops, distributing and producing awareness-building materials, and participating in awareness activities.

At the launch MP Larry Bagnell said, “This publication is a valuable working tool for employers in the Yukon, and it is hoped that it provides the tools and other resources that are needed to enhance the success of Aboriginal recruitment and employment in the Yukon labour force.”

Through regional coordinators, the Government of Canada encourages the development and training of Aboriginal people in all facets of the workforce.

The Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative’s work is based on the principles of partnership, and is founded on mutual respect, innovation and the pursuit of excellence. The Supplemental Toolkit has also been developed in four other Regions - Alberta, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

For more information visit www.awpi.gc.ca

For more information, please contact:

Shirlee Frost
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Regional Co-ordinator
Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative
Suite 415C
300-300 Main Street
Whitehorse, Y.T. Y1A 2B5
Ph: (867) 667-3937
Fax: (867) 667-3387

The Honourable Larry Bagnell
Member of Parliament for Yukon
Constituency Office
204-204 Black Street
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2M9
Tel: (867) 668-6565
Fax: (867) 668-6570

Back to News Release Index