Five First Nations in Quebec Opt-in to Skills and Training Initiative for First Nations Youth

Personalized skills training will be delivered to First Nations youth (ages 18-24) in five First Nations in Quebec.

SASKATOON, Jan. 31, 2014 /CNW/ - More than 240 young First Nation adults in Quebec will be connected to skills training and jobs thanks to the Government of Canada's new initiative to improve on-reserve Income Assistance. These investments will provide personalized supports to First Nations youth as they secure the tools needed to find meaningful employment and reduce their reliance on income assistance.

In Quebec, the Listuguj Mi'gmaq Government, Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, Mohawk Council of Kahnawake, Atikamedkw de Manawan and the Conseil des Montagnais du Lac-St-Jean-Mashteuiatsh will be implementing the new Enhanced Service Delivery in six First Nation communities. All of the five of First Nations communities are participating at the request of their local First Nations leadership. These organizations will be working with Commission de développement des ressources humaines des Premières Nations du Québec to provide on-reserve First Nations youth ages 18-24 with personalized assessments and job training plans.

This is part of the over $19.4 million in funding being provided this year by the Government of Canada to 22 Tribal Councils, First Nations and First Nation organizations to begin work in 70 First Nation communities across the country, providing support to young First Nations income assistance clients. A total of 22 pairs of joint proposals (22 Enhanced Service Delivery and 11 First Nations Job Fund) were approved. Together these organizations will ensure that eligible income assistance clients have access to necessary training through the newly created First Nations Job Fund.

Quick Facts

• An integral component of the Enhanced Service Delivery initiative is case management. Case-workers will work with individuals to identify barriers to employment and to develop a personalized plan to address those barriers.
• This announcement represents the next steps in the implementation of the Economic Action Plan 2013 commitment to invest $241 million over four years to connect First Nations youth between the ages of 18 and 24 to skills training and jobs.
• This approach builds on the success of recent pilot projects and partnerships being undertaken across Canada, where the Government of Canada has been working with the provincial governments, First Nations and the private sector to link First Nations Income Assistance clients with training and jobs.
• These initiatives will begin over the course of the coming months across the country, as First Nations communities lead the effort to work with their youth on jobs and prosperity.
• First Nation youth will have access to a range of services and programs aimed at increasing their job prospects and supporting them as they move into the workforce, including: basic life-skills training, skills training and career counseling.
  
  
  

Quotes

"Our Government continues to take concrete steps to create the conditions for more prosperous, self-sufficient First Nation communities. Investing in jobs and skills training will lead to greater First Nation participation in the economy, healthier First Nation communities and a stronger Canada."

Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"I am pleased that the Commission de développement des resources humaines des Premières Nations du Québec, which serves five First Nations communities in Quebec, is taking part in this exciting new program. Under the improved Income Assistance program, young First Nations income assistance clients will have access to greater services and training that will increase their job prospects and support them as they find their way into the province's workforce."

Denis Lebel
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and Member of Parliament, Roberval—Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec

"Listuguj is looking forward to a continued working relationship with AANDC to adequately address and prevent barriers to employment for Listuguj's Mi'gmaq youth on Income Assistance. Together we can meet the changing needs of Canada's job market and the needs of Listuguj's young labour force."

Dean Vicaire, Chief
Listuguj Mi'gmaq Government

"Support for the development of skills, employability and entrepreneurship is a priority for us. We believe that the Enhanced Service Delivery initiative will support our efforts to give the targeted youth a hand up, as it will help provide tailored follow-up and personalized guidance to target employment action strategies."

Gilbert Dominique, Chief
Pekuakamiulnuatsh

"We are pleased that we have been able to access this program that helps us to find quicker, more efficient solutions in certain situations. There are many instances where the gap between assessment, training and job placement has been problematic. This project has made it simpler to get from start to finish, with a greater chance of success."

Bobby Patton, Chief
Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke

Related Products

Backgrounder - Improved On-Reserve Income Assistance Program
Backgrounder - Income Assistance: Perspectives on Active Measures

Associated Links

• January 31, 2014 - Harper Government Connects First Nation Youth with Personalized Skills and Training
• June 12, 2013 - Harper Government Invests in Skills & Training for First Nation Youth
• Improving Income Assistance
• First Nations Job Fund
• Canada's Economic Action Plan

SOURCE: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Erica Meekes
Press Secretary 
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160

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