Speaking Notes for
The Honourable Andy Scott, PC, MP at
The signing of the AWPI Partnership Agreement between
The Province of Saskatchewan and
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)

Regina, Saskatchewan
Sept.16, 2004

Check against delivery

Now is an opportune time. We know that Canada's Aboriginal population is growing at nearly twice the national average. More than half of Canada's Aboriginal people are under the age of 25. They make up a large, robust workforce, eager to assume a more active role in Canada's economy.

Employers all across Canada are starting to understand that Aboriginal youth are a valuable asset to their businesses, and to their markets. It is beneficial to see the workforce ranks growing with skilled, young Aboriginal employees, and ever increasing numbers of Aboriginal college and university graduates.

The current reality of retirements in Canada is creating a workforce gap; Canada will need these innovative and skilled Aboriginal workers to fill these gaps.

How will this partnership initiative assist in removing some of the barriers and obstacles and connect Aboriginal people to corporate Canada?

The Government of Canada and its partners are working to build links with Aboriginal youth and create more opportunities for Aboriginal people. We need to tap into the tremendous potential that Aboriginal people bring to the workplace.

That's what this agreement is all about. We want to see all Saskatchewan people feel the security and joy that comes with earning a salary. We want to see Aboriginal youth brimming with confidence and pride at how their knowledge and hard work is contributing to their workplaces and to their lives.

The Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative is designed to increase the participation of Aboriginal people, and Aboriginal youth, in the labour market. The initiative connects employers with local Aboriginal communities and organizations to determine and fulfil their employment needs. It helps employers create a workplace that embraces Aboriginal values and culture. It means employers have more qualified staff to choose from, and Aboriginal people have better chances of landing meaningful jobs. This initiative involves many partners – Aboriginal youth and communities, employers and employees, unions and the not-for-profit sector, governments and universities – all working together to achieve economic benefits.

This is part of the Government of Canada's broader priority of working with Aboriginal people to build stronger, healthier, and more self-sufficient communities.

The private sector and government can work together to tap the enormous potential of the youngest and fastest-growing segment of Canada's population.

Across Canada, there are more than 25,000 First Nations people
who have graduated from universities and colleges. They constitute a human resource pool that can be counted on for its innovation, excellence and entrepreneurial ingenuity. This innovation is demonstrated by the growth rate of Aboriginal Entrepreneurship–nearly twice the Canadian average. There are now more than 22,000 Aboriginal businesses in Canada. These businesses drive self-sufficiency and growth.

As many businesses have discovered, the Aboriginal workforce is eager to assume a more active role in Canada's economy.

The benefits of hiring Aboriginal people go well beyond simply gaining access to a large pool of talent. Aboriginal people have purchasing power, offer new markets, diversity in the workplace and competitive business locations. Most importantly, they offer new energy, enthusiasm and commitment – all ingredients for success.

To commit to this process, the Government of Canada promotes the importance of instructing history and contemporary issues on the diversity of Aboriginal people and integrating this information into every classroom and every single workforce in this country.

The Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan are working together with the Aboriginal workforce to eliminate existing barriers. We want to work with Aboriginal communities to eliminate the gaps that exist between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal employment.

Furthermore, we recognize the Government of Saskatchewan's work and commitment in starting this initiative in 1992 and building 24 successful workplace partnerships in Saskatchewan.

Since its inception, the Aboriginal Employment Development Program (AEDP) partnership strategy has signed about 24 partnerships with private companies and unions, government, Aboriginal organizations and educational institutions. These partnerships have created more than 1,700 jobs for Aboriginal people: 77% were permanent, and 23% non-permanent positions. In addition, the program promotes knowledge and understanding on history, issues and eliminating misconceptions about Aboriginal people throughout these Saskatchewan workplaces.

We are committed to working with the Province of Saskatchewan to realize our common goals. Our governments are dedicated to ensuring that the objectives set forth in this Agreement will be realized.

Once again, thank you, and best wishes to Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs and the Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative. Future generations will reflect on this initiative, and will continue to build on the leadership and cooperation we have shown. Together we are truly building a brighter future.

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