Parliamentary Secretary Mark Strahl Highlights Job and Skills Training Investments at Canadian Welding Association Conference

VANCOUVER, Sept. 29, 2014 /CNW/ - Mark Strahl, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today delivered remarks at the 5^th Annual Canadian Welding Association Summit in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Parliamentary Secretary Strahl highlighted the significant initiatives the Government of Canada has undertaken to increase economic opportunities for Aboriginal peoples, for the benefit of all Canadians.

Economic Action Plan 2014 focuses on measures that align job and skills training with labour market needs. For example, First Nations youth, who represent the fastest growing segment of the nation's population, will now have increased access to skills training and jobs through the First Nations Job Fund. These investments provide personalized support for young adults through skills training to encourage greater participation in the economy for strong First Nation communities and a strong country as a whole.

The theme of this year's conference is Welding in the Arctic, and Parliamentary Secretary Strahl highlighted the measures taken to promote education and job training in Canada's North through a comprehensive Northern Strategy, which includes funding and a commitment to promote economic development in the region.

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 the Income Assistance program reform. Specifically, $132 million for Enhanced Service Delivery and $109 million for a new First Nations Job Fund.
• The Government's Northern Strategy has four priority areas for taking concrete action: 1) Exercising our Arctic sovereignty; 2) Protecting our environmental heritage; 3) Promoting social and economic development; and 4) Improving and developing northern governance.
• The Government of Canada created the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) in 2009 as part of the Canada's Economic Action Plan. CanNor works alongside its partners and stakeholders to help develop a diversified, sustainable and dynamic economy across Canada's three territories.

Quotes

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

Mark Strahl
Parliamentary Secretary, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Associated Links

Canadian Welding Association (external website)
First Nation youth Jobs and Skills training Success Stories: Reducing reliance on Income Assistance

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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