Squamish Nation celebrates grand re-opening of their Training and Trades Centre in North Vancouver

Federal investment helps Squamish Nation to expand facilities and enhance training programs

NORTH VANCOUVER, Oct. 3, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, the Squamish Nation celebrated the grand re-opening of the Squamish Nation Training and Trades Centre (SNTTC) in North Vancouver.

Through the Western Diversification Program (WDP), the Squamish Nation received over $1 million in funding to expand the SNTTC. The upgrades include a 50 per cent increase in floor space to 12,000 square feet, doubling the number of classrooms to four. The expansion also includes a new general construction workshop to the existing plumbing and carpentry workshops.

These renovations will help the Squamish Nation to deliver accessible trades training to Indigenous Peoples across British Columbia, including students from Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island and Central/ Northern British Columbia.

The British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training and the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation have also invested over $1.1 million in funding to support tuition and training of students.

By promoting skills development, and supporting underrepresented groups in the workforce, the Government of Canada is contributing to the prosperity of Indigenous communities across the province. 

The funding celebrated today follows an investment more than $27 million for 45 Indigenous Economic Growth projects in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, through the Western Diversification Program (WDP).

Quick Facts

• The mandate of the SNTTC is to prepare community members with entry-level skills and knowledge to transition into a trades apprenticeship program or to be job-ready in the trades sector for full time employment.
• Since 2004, the SNTTC has trained over 525 apprentices and over 400 skilled construction trades workers.
• The SNTTC aims to provide trades training to an additional 300 Indigenous Peoples over the next two years.

Quotes

"All Canadians deserve the opportunity to find steady and fulfilling employment. The Government of Canada is proud to support the Squamish Nation Training and Trades Center that equips Indigenous Peoples with the vital skills to participate in the thriving trades sector."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada

"Congratulations to the Squamish Nation and all those who've supported the Training and Trades Centre. This initiative supports both employers and apprentices to find lasting, good quality jobs. The work of the SNTTC is empowering Indigenous communities and supporting businesses through the development of a skilled workforce."
-Terry Beech, Member of Parliament for Burnaby North- Seymour

"Access to trades training programs allows Indigenous people to participate and thrive in our strong economy. Our government is lifting people up by investing in skills training programs in communities throughout the province including Squamish Nation. These investments support our commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as Indigenous people are actively involved in developing and determining programming in their own institutions."
- Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.

"The new and improved trades and training centre is great news for the Squamish Nation and young people who are seeking opportunities to build secure and fulfilling careers. We are proud to work together with Indigenous peoples helping to build healthy communities and create shared prosperity that benefits all British Columbians."
- Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

"The Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) contribution has made a huge difference and we would like to thank them for making this expansion a reality. We are another step closer to our goal of becoming an accredited non-profit post secondary institution, recognised by the Industry Training Authority (ITA) of BC"
- Paul Wick, Squamish Nation Director of Education Employment and Training.

Additional Links

• Government of Canada Invests in Indigenous Economic Development across Western Canada

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IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.

SOURCE Western Economic Diversification Canada

Ben Stanford, Regional Communications Manager, Western Economic Diversification Canada, Telephone: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Rodney Porter, Communications Director, BC Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, Telephone: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Peter Baker, Development & Partnership Employment Negotiator, Squamish Nation Training & Trades Centre, Telephone: [phone]