THUNDER BAY – The L2M: Learning 2 Mine project will provide training and work experiences in the mining industry to Aboriginal youth living in Northern Ontario. This project will focus on the delivery of mining literacy and essential skills development to help the participants get jobs in this industry.
A Government of Canada investment will help 100 Aboriginal youth in Thunder Bay get the training and skills development they need to find and keep good jobs.
Dr. Kellie Leitch, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, announced Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute is receiving over $700,000 through the Skills and Partnership Fund for its L2M: Learning 2 Mine project.
“Our government’s top priority is job creation and economic growth. In a constantly evolving labour market, it’s important that Canadians get the skills and training they need to succeed,” said Dr. Leitch. “This is why we work with partners, such as Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute, to ensure Aboriginal people are able to take full advantage of economic opportunities.”
Launched in July 2010, the Skills and Partnership Fund encourages Aboriginal organizations to create partnerships with government, business and community organizations that drive change, improve skills training and create opportunities for Aboriginal people.
The Government of Canada is investing $210 million over five years in this partnership-based, opportunity driven fund. The Fund supports projects that encourage innovation, test new approaches and address systemic gaps in the delivery of employment services for Aboriginal Canadians to ensure this growing population can fully share in economic opportunities. All Aboriginal organizations are eligible to apply for funding under the program.
The Skills and Partnership Fund builds on the success of earlier Aboriginal employment programs. It responds to the changing needs and priorities of the labour market while providing opportunities for Aboriginal people to fully participate in Canada’s economy.
The Government of Canada also supports the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy, which is an integrated approach to Aboriginal labour market programming that links training to labour market demand. The Strategy supports more than 80 Aboriginal organizations in the delivery of programs and services to increase Aboriginal participation in the Canadian labour market. It focuses on three strategic priorities: supporting skills development; fostering partnerships with the private sector and the provinces and territories; and accountability and results. The program was launched in April 2010 with funding of $1.6 billion over five years.