Minister Valcourt Highlights Importance of Aboriginal Participation in Canadian Economy - Education and Skills Training Top Priorities

Education and skills training focus of speech to Empire Club of Canada in Toronto

TORONTO, April 14, 2014 /CNW/ - Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Bernard Valcourt gave a lunchtime speech at the Empire Club of Canada today highlighting recent Government of Canada action to increase Aboriginal participation in the workforce.

The Minister spoke of new approaches to education and skills development for Aboriginal people in Canada that, coupled with major investments in these areas, are expected to lead to further jobs and prosperity for individuals and communities across the country. The on-reserve Income Assistance Program and proposed First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act advance Government of Canada commitments to help ensure First Nations youth receive the education and skills training they need to participate in Canada's economic prosperity.

These initiatives, together with progress in areas like Aboriginal participation in resource development projects, treaties and land claim agreements, and improving accountability and transparency in governance, will continue the transformative change that will lead to stronger, more self-sufficient Aboriginal communities.

Quick Facts

• With more than 400,000 Aboriginal youth projected to be ready to enter the labour market over the next 15 years, helping Aboriginal youth to succeed in school and graduate is critical to increasing their participation in Canada's economy.
• In Economic Action Plan 2014, the federal government committed to invest an additional incremental $1.9 billion beginning in 2015-2016 to improve education outcomes on reserve.
• On April 10, 2014, Minister Valcourt introduced in the House of Commons Bill C-33, First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act, which would provide First Nations students with the education standards, supports and opportunities that most Canadians take for granted.
• Through Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government of Canada is investing $241 million to connect First Nation youth between the ages of 18 and 24 with skills training and jobs.
• The Government of Canada's improved on-reserve Income Assistance Program, which includes an Enhanced Service Delivery initiative and the First Nations Job Fund, provides personalized supports and training to on-reserve income assistance clients to enable them to find meaningful employment and reduce their reliance on income assistance.

Quotes

"Greater Aboriginal participation in the workforce and in our economy at large is a component of healthier and more self-sufficient Aboriginal communities. It is time to recognize that stronger, more self-sufficient Aboriginal communities will also lead to a stronger, more competitive and more prosperous Canada—and in that, we all have a role to play."

Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development