Minister hears from youth as they progress towards employment.
CALGARY, July 4, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt and Parliamentary Secretary Mark Strahl met with youth from the Blood Tribe who are taking part in the Harper Government's program aimed at reducing reliance on Income Assistance by providing job readiness support. They heard about the progress youth are making towards gaining the skills and training they need to successfully transition to the workforce.
The Blood Tribe currently has 622 youth undertaking Enhanced Service Delivery, which supports First Nations in identifying individuals' employment needs and to assist in overcoming barriers to employment and establishes a plan to overcome them. The goal: connecting youth with jobs. On January 31, 2014, the Government announced that nearly 4,000 First Nation youth from across Canada will participate in an effort to reduce reliance on Income Assistance.
By investing in jobs and skills training for First Nation youth, the Government of Canada is taking concrete steps to help build more prosperous, self-sufficient First Nation communities.
Quick Facts
- The Government of Canada is investing $241 million in new funding to help First Nation youth between the ages of 18 and 24 get personalized job and skills training as part of changes to the Income Assistance program. Specifically, $132 million for Enhanced Service Delivery and $109 million for a new First Nations Job Fund.
- Participants 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 and literacy training, skills training and career counseling.
- Changes to the program are targeted to help First Nation youth find meaningful employment.
- Close to 1,500 First Nation youth in Alberta are participating in the improved on-reserve Income Assistance program.
Quotes
"Our Government, First Nation parents, leaders and youth all agree: Aboriginal youth should have the same opportunities as all Canadians to find, keep and enjoy the benefits of a good job. I was pleased to hear directly from youth from the Blood Tribe how our Government job readiness support is working for them, and to receive their feedback on the progress they are making."
Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
Related Products
- Backgrounder – Improved On-Reserve Income Assistance Program
- Backgrounder – Enhanced Service Delivery
Associated Links
- Income Assistance Program
- First Nations Job Fund
- June 12, 2013 - Harper Government Invests in Skills & Training for First Nation Youth
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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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