Launch of New College Program to Provide Training for Local Jobs at the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation's Entertainment Centre

Harper Government supports new 15-week continuing education program launched by Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick and Madawaksa Maliseet Economic Development Corporation

EDMUNDSTON, NB, March 11, 2014 /CNW/ - A new 15-week continuing education program was launched today by the Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB) Edmundston Campus, in partnership with the Madawaska Maliseet Economic Development Corporation and supported by the Government of Canada. The program will train workers for jobs in the First Nation's Grey Rock Entertainment Centre.

The Entertainment, Events Organization and Food Services Program will meet the need for specialized workers for the Grey Rock Entertainment Centre, scheduled to open in mid-July of this year. The new program is the result of a workforce development partnership between CCNB and Madawaska Maliseet Economic Development Corporation with $68,000 funding from the federal government.

Quick Facts

• The 15-week education program will offer training in computers, food and beverage service, an introduction to working in a casino, customer service and special events coordination.
• The Entertainment Centre, located in the First Nation's Grey Rock Power Centre, will require employees trained in the above fields when it opens this summer.
• The Grey Rock Power Centre, which opened in May 2013, was supported through a $3.5 million investment from the federal government and is expected to create 300 new jobs in the next 3 years.
• Madawaska Maliseet First Nation is located within Edmundston, NB. The community has 330 members, with an on-reserve population of 151.

Quotes

"Our Government is focused on job creation and economic growth. I am particularly proud of this great partnership that will help First Nation youth acquire the skills they need to work on their First Nation and in their region. We will continue to work with interested First Nations and key partners, like those represented here today, to create jobs and economic and educational opportunities for First Nations and all Canadians."

Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"The importance of education cannot be overstated. With CCNB's specialized curriculum, we can focus post secondary education on the required skills necessary to provide jobs and grow our economy. The investment of education for our people (particularly our youth) and for our future is vital to the economic growth of our region."

Chief Patricia Bernard
Madawaska Maliseet First Nation

"What could be better than to take advantage of the CCNB's expertise in hotel and restaurant services training to set up an entertainment, events organization and restaurant services course? We are proud to be able to set up this partnership with the Madawaska Maliseet Economic Development Corporation in order to launch this program."

Liane Roy
President and Chief Executive Officer of the CCNB

Related Products

• List of Successful Indian Studies Support Program (ISSP) Proposals for 2013-2014 - Atlantic Region
• Post-Secondary Partnerships Program (PSPP)
• Post-Secondary Partnerships Program - National Program Guidelines 2014-2015
• Madawaska Maliseet First Nation - Community Profile
• Madawaska Maliseet First Nation website

Associated Links

• Success Stories - Moving Toward Economic Development: The Story of Madawaska Maliseet

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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