Harper Government helps to provide Aboriginal students at Lethbridge College with tailored post-secondary skills and training

Canada's Post-Secondary Partnerships Program links education program to local labour market needs

LETHBRIDGE, AB, July 9, 2015 /CNW/ - Member of Parliament Jim Hillyer (Lethbridge), on behalf of The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today announced support to Lethbridge College for a program designed and delivered to prepare First Nation and Inuit youth with the skills and training needed to join the labour market.

Member of Parliament Hillyer made the announcement during a visit to Lethbridge College, which is receiving close to $380,000 for its Community Health Promotion Program that will allow First Nation and Inuit students to build the skills needed to access jobs within multiple sectors.

By promoting post-secondary education programming linked to labour market needs, the Government of Canada is ensuring youth are equipped with the tools and opportunities they need to find and hold meaningful, sustainable jobs.

The revamped Post-Secondary Partnerships Program (formerly the Indian Studies Support Program) aligns with government priorities by supporting post-secondary institutions to develop and deliver courses with a strong relationship to labour market needs.

Quick Facts

• AANDC's post-secondary education programs are specifically intended to support First Nation and Inuit students and provide them with the opportunity to acquire the skills needed to enter the labour market and be full participants in a strong Canadian economy.
• A total of 73 projects across Canada are receiving support to assist Canadian post-secondary institutions in the design and delivery of college and university-level courses that respond to local labour market needs of First Nation and Inuit students.
• The Post-Secondary Partnerships Program was redesigned in 2013-2014 to introduce a competitive, national proposal driven process based on merit and focused on meeting labour market needs.
• First Nation and Inuit students can further benefit from AANDC's Post Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP), University and College Entrance Preparation (UCEP), and additional federal post-secondary education support such as the Canada Student Loans and Grants Program and Can Learn.

Quotes

"I am proud that our Government is supporting both Aboriginal learners and Lethbridge College. Through specifically tailored curriculum and skills training, this project will ensure that students are better prepared to participate fully in Canada's growing economy."

Jim Hillyer
Member of Parliament, Lethbridge

"Our Government is delivering results for Canadians and supporting measures that will help create jobs and opportunities for Aboriginal people. I firmly believe that a good job beats any social program out there; that's why our Government continues to support initiatives that will create concrete and lasting results in the lives of Aboriginal students. This is about getting the skills and training they need to find and keep a good job and improve their overall well-being. "

Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"We're appreciative of the funding we received from the Government of Canada through the Post-Secondary Partnerships Program. The funds will support a new Community Health Promotion Program that Lethbridge College is excited to be a part of and which will support learners across the province to become successful community health advocates."

Dr. Paula Burns
President and CEO, Lethbridge College

Associated Links

AANDC's Post-Secondary Partnerships Program
Post-Secondary Partnerships Program 2015-2016 Guidelines
AANDC's Aboriginal Bursaries Search Tool
Canada Student Loans Program
Can Learn
Indspire
AANDC's Post-Secondary Education Programs

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SOURCE Government of Canada

Emily Hillstrom, 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