Creating job opportunities for Aboriginal communities in Nova Scotia - Investment in skills and training is strengthening the local economy

HALIFAX, July 3, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The Government of Canada has invested in a project that will train 700 Aboriginal people living in Nova Scotia for jobs in the shipbuilding industry and spin-off economy.

Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development was in Nova Scotia today to take part in the celebration of a new siding contract at the Halifax Shipyard today with Irving Shipbuilding, Flynn Canada and the Mi'kmaw Economic Benefits Office of Nova Scotia. Minister Valcourt, on behalf of the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development highlighted the federal government investment of $6 million towards the initiative under ESDC's Skills and Partnership Fund. [hyperlink here http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/aboriginal/partnership_fund/index.shtml]

The announcement represents an important part of the Government of Canada's National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy is strengthening economic opportunities for the surrounding region and Aboriginal communities.  

Quick Facts

• The National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS) is an unprecedented long-term, multi-billion dollar commitment to renewing Canada's federal fleet. Through this Strategy, federal departments and agencies have been working in partnership with Irving Shipbuilding and Aboriginal leaders to anticipate industry needs and train potential workers to access increased job opportunities throughout Nova Scotia.
• The Conference Board of Canada estimates that, at their peak, these procurements could create and sustain up to 11,500 jobs in Nova Scotia alone.

Quotes

"Our Government's top priority is creating jobs, growth and economic opportunities for all Canadians and I am pleased to see that the partnership between our Government and Irving Shipbuilding is resulting in concrete benefits to the Aboriginal community in Nova Scotia. We remain committed to working with our First Nation partners to ensure they get the same access to opportunities as all Canadians. We will continue to work together to match skills and training with job opportunities."

Honourable Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"Our Government is committed to strengthening Nova Scotia's economy and ensuring the long-term prosperity of all of our communities, for the well-being of Canadians today and tomorrow.  Today's announcement with Irving clearly demonstrates the importance of working with all of our partners on key projects. These collaborations are vital to furthering opportunities, creating jobs, and keeping hard-working Canadians in their regions, such as right here in Nova Scotia, where we need them to secure growth and improve the quality of life for the benefit of all."

Honourable Peter MacKay
Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Associated Links

National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy-PWGSC 

SOURCE: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Erica Meekes, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, 819-997-0002; Mary Ann Dewey-Plante, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Justice, 613-992-4621; Media Relations, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, 819-953-1160; You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds or e-mail. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.aandc.gc.ca/subscriptions.