SIOUX LOOKOUT, ONTARIO — Aboriginal people in Ontario are set to benefit from projects funded by the Government of Canada that will help them get the skills they need to find and keep jobs. Mr. Greg Rickford, Parliamentary Secretary for Official Languages and Member of Parliament for Kenora, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
 
“Our government is helping Aboriginal people get the skills and training they need, especially in the Kenora riding, which is what we hear from chiefs and the Sioux Lookout Area Aboriginal Management Board,” said Mr. Rickford. “Investing in training is one of the most important measures our government is taking to support Canadian workers and employers today, while strengthening the long-term competitiveness of our economy.”
 
The Sioux Lookout Area Aboriginal Management Board will receive support for projects that will help design and deliver labour market programs and services for Aboriginal people in Ontario. Many Aboriginal people are expected to be placed in jobs over the duration of the project. Aboriginal youth will also get help to return to school or to find full-time jobs in industries where there are skills shortages. Strong partnerships with government, industry, educational and training institutions, and other community service providers will be created.
 
“We want to thank the federal government for helping our community members improve their skills in order to enter the workforce,” said Mr. Bob Bruyere, Coordinator for the Sioux Lookout Area Aboriginal Management Board. “We invite all employers and both levels of government to work with us to ensure that our community members are given the same opportunity as other Canadians to fill the potential labour shortages.”
 
The Government of Canada is providing over $22 million for these projects through its Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy. The Strategy is part of a government-wide approach to help First Nations, Métis and Inuit secure sustainable and meaningful employment.