February 20, 2012

Kamloops, British Columbia, February 20, 2012—Ms. Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo, today announced a Government of Canada investment that will enable up to 120 Aboriginal people in Kamloops to develop skills that will help them find and keep good jobs. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

“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 Ms. McLeod. “This is why we work with organizations, such as the First Nations Agricultural Association, to ensure Aboriginal people are able to take full advantage of economic opportunities.”

Through the Government of Canada’s Skills and Partnership Fund, the First Nations Agricultural Association is receiving more than $856,000 for its Career in Agriculture and Agri-Foods Industry Program.

Through the Career in Agriculture and Agri-Foods Industry Program, the First Nations Agricultural Association will help Aboriginal people get the necessary skills and training they need to get jobs in the agriculture and agri-foods industry. The participants will be enrolled in eight skill-building and work-experience projects in areas of British Columbia where there is a high demand for qualified people in the agriculture and agri-food industries.

The Fund is part of the Government’s approach to help First Nations, Métis and Inuit get training and work experience to secure sustainable, meaningful employment. It is intended to encourage innovation in Aboriginal training-to-employment products and service delivery.