Edmonton, AB – In Alberta, 350 Aboriginal people will be trained for high-demand jobs in the energy sector, thanks to investments from the Governments of Canada and Alberta, and other partners. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Robin Campbell, Alberta Minister of Aboriginal Relations.
Governments, industry, trade unions, training organizations and Aboriginal communities are investing close to $7 million in this training initiative that is designed to address Alberta’s critical skills shortages and build better futures for Aboriginal people.
“Our government’s top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity,” said Mr. Hawn. “It’s important that Canadians have the skills and training they need to succeed. That’s why, through the Skills and Partnership Fund, our government works with partners to ensure Aboriginal people can take full advantage of economic opportunities.”
Through the Skills and Partnership Fund, the Government of Canada is contributing over $1.9 million to the Trade Winds to Success Training Society to provide Aboriginal people with training and work experience in various energy-related occupations, in particular in Alberta’s oil and gas sector. These include jobs such as boilermakers, carpenters, electricians, welders and pipefitters.
The Government of Alberta will also invest $1.6 million in the project through the through the Ministries of Human Services and Aboriginal Relations.
“The Alberta Government is a proud partner of the Trade Winds to Success Training Society, which has helped more than 500 Aboriginal Albertans build brighter futures for themselves and their families since 2005,” said Minister Campbell. “We are committed to working with Aboriginal communities to ensure they can take advantage of the opportunities available in our province and reach their full potential.”
“The Board of Directors, Trade Winds to Success Training Society staff and, most importantly, the Aboriginal people we serve, would like to thank the federal and provincial governments for their financial support through the Skills and Partnership Fund,” said Deborah Munroe, Executive Director, Trade Winds to Success Training Society. “This funding will allow us to continue doing what we do best—putting Aboriginal people to work in the trades.”
There are 10 other partners, including the Oteenow Employment & Training Society,
Community Futures Treaty Seven, ConocoPhillips and the Alberta Carpenters Training Centre that are making significant investments in this initiative.
The Skills and Partnership Fund is part of the Government of Canada’s approach to help First Nations, Métis and Inuit get training and work experience to secure meaningful long-term employment.