January 17, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
05-05
Government of Canada invests in a construction project under the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership Program
NORTH VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - The Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport), on behalf of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), today announced the approval of funding that would total $7.8 million over the next four years for a construction project, as part of the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership (ASEP) program. This funding approval clears the way for officials with HRSDC to start negotiating the terms and conditions of a contribution agreement with the partnership consortium to deliver training and skills development in the construction trades.
"This partnership is a great example of several communities coming together to create a better future for themselves by developing training opportunities that will lead to sustainable employment, in a sector of the economy that is blossoming in Vancouver," said Minister Owen. "The Government of Canada is proud to be part of a project that will strengthen Vancouver's Aboriginal labour force as Canada, and this region, prepares to host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games."
Combined funding from all partners could total $24 million, with $14 million in funding from the construction industry and the remainder from Aboriginal communities, made up in part from funds provided by the province of British Columbia. The resulting partnership will result in training and employment in long-term sustainable construction careers for a minimum of 600 to 800 Aboriginal peoples. This project will link major employers and projects to a source of labour supply, including opportunities relating to the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre project, the Vancouver Port Expansion project and the Sea to Sky Highway project.
"This partnership under ASEP fosters a renewed sense of collaboration between the industry, the governments and the Aboriginal community," said Chief Gibby Jacob, on behalf of the Aboriginal partners.
As part of the Vancouver program, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) will work with Aboriginal partners, including Tsawwassen First Nation, the First Nations Employment Society, Spo7ez (Squamish Nation and Lil'Wat First Nation), the Métis Provincial Council of British Columbia, the Aboriginal Community Career and Employment Services Society; together with the construction industry represented by the British Columbia Construction Association, the Vancouver Regional Construction Association and other major employers in the Lower Mainland.
Commenting on the initiative, Manley McLachlan, President and Chief Executive Officer for the British Columbia Construction Association, noted that the construction sector is growing rapidly in the Richmond to Whistler corridor. "Our Association is honoured to be a partner in this historic project. Our goal is to build careers in all facets of the construction industry," said Mr. McLachlan.
Today's announcement was made at the Squamish Nation Recreation Centre in North Vancouver, and marks the start up of a new training and skills development initiative that will enable Aboriginal peoples in British Columbia to acquire transferable skills and take advantage of construction employment opportunities in Vancouver.
The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership (ASEP) promotes maximum employment for Aboriginal peoples on major economic developments through a collaborative partnership approach, ensuring Aboriginal participation in major economic development opportunities occurring in and around their communities. Designed to complement HRSDC's Aboriginal and Human Resource Development Strategy, ASEP is an opportunity-driven program that helps the Aboriginal work force to develop skills and provides lasting benefits for communities, families and individuals.
Today's announcement is linked to Canada's Workplace Skills Strategy. The Strategy aims to help Canadians acquire the skills needed for meaningful and productive jobs, and ensure that employers' needs are met.
This initiative complies with all departmental administrative rules governing grants and contributions, and provisions of the Financial Administration Act, and is subject to review to ensure compliance with the objectives of the program.
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For more information:
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
(819) 994-5559