Lesser slave lake, alberta, November 1, 2010—Aboriginal people in northern Alberta will benefit from new training and job opportunities as a result of federal government support. Mr. Brian Jean, Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray–Athabasca, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

“Our government is helping Aboriginal people get the skills and training they need in Alberta,” said Mr. Jean. “Investing in training is one of the most important measures our government is taking to protect Canada and its workers today, while strengthening the long-term competitiveness of our economy.”

The Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council will receive support to continue projects that design and deliver job-related programs and services for Aboriginal people in the Lesser Slave Lake area. Through a strong client skills database and an improved partnership with industry, it is expected that participants will find jobs in industries where there are skills shortages. The projects will also create strong partnerships between government, industry, educational and training institutions, and community service providers.

“The five First Nations of the Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council are grateful for the federal government’s support of our approach to develop the tradespeople that will, in the long term, be of significant benefit to their communities,” said Grand Chief James Badger of the Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council.

The Government of Canada is providing over $7 million for these projects through its Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy. The Strategy is part of a government-wide approach to help First Nations, Métis and Inuit secure sustainable and meaningful employment.