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$100 million in federal funding to go towards indigenous employment initiatives

May 25, 2016 | 6:18 PM

The federal government has announced $100 million in funding to combat high rates of unemployment in indigenous communities.

The funding will go toward employment and skills development initiatives and other services associated with employment, such as childcare, driver training, and transportation.

MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, made the announcement Wednesday, May 25 at the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Legislative Assembly.

“We’re going to provide the support for indigenous communities, for individuals that want a career,” she said. “It will also help industries who are looking for a skilled workforce.”

The funding is broken down into several areas. There is an immediate nine million dollar increase specifically for the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy, which supports skills development and employment training for indigenous people. Then there is another $35 million for other employment and training initiatives.

The government is also renewing a call for proposals for their skills and partnership fund, which encourages indigenous organizations to partner with governments, businesses and community groups to increase skills training. There is $50 million available for the proposals, which will be due by July 5, 2016.

Mihychuk said this funding is an effort to catch up, as ASETS funding hasn’t increased since 1999. But she said this increase doesn’t come close to catching up even just to inflation for the last 17 years.

Chief Bobby Cameron said although they’ve been stalled for two decades, he’s pleased with Mihychuk and her staff for coming up with this funding.

“We’re seeing some verbal commitments that are now being honoured,” he said. “We’re pleased with how things are progressing. Could we use a lot more? Absolutely, but we’re going to continue doing what we can.”

Training will be provided mostly for in-demand jobs to try to meet needs of both industries and those who are unemployed. Mihychuk said that means while there are jobs in indigenous communities, such as at water treatment facilities, in trades and in childcare, people may need to relocate to find jobs.

The program is also being updated to be more user-friendly. Mihychuk said people applying for these services shouldn’t need to hire a consultant just to fill out a form. Removing some of the red tape and bureaucracy around these programs will make it a lot easier for indigenous people to access the funding and services, she said.

Cameron said in cases of remote communities, they’ll fill jobs there first and then encourage young and able-bodied people to move if they need to. He said communication will be essential, to keep in touch with communities to make sure they can take full advantage of these opportunities.

The FSIN Assembly will continue tomorrow in North Battleford.

 

Sarah.rae@jpbg.ca

@sarahjeanrae