Province commits funding for Aboriginal Cadet Development Program

In an effort to increase the number of Aboriginal people in the RCMP, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador has approved $150,000 in today�s budget to enable 12 students to participate in the national Aboriginal Cadet Development Program (ACDP).

Cost-shared by Human Resources Development Canada, the RCMP and the province, the ACDP permits Aboriginal people who do not initially meet RCMP basic entrance requirements, but are otherwise suitable applicants, a maximum of two years to address their identified shortcomings.

Individuals enrolled in the ACDP in this province are required to undergo a three-week assessment at the RCMP Training Academy in Regina, Saskatchewan. They will then attend the College of the North Atlantic campus in Happy Valley-Goose to attain basic educational requirements, before receiving further upgrading at an RCMP detachment in or near their home community.

Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ernest McLean said the funding demonstrates government's commitment to helping young Aboriginal people find meaningful careers.

"Both the Innu and Inuit communities in Labrador have expressed considerable interest in this program," Mr. McLean said. "We're pleased to be able to provide this funding, to enable young Aboriginal people in our province the opportunity to obtain the basic entrance requirements for the RCMP. This program is a very positive one and will certainly have a positive influence on the future of many young Aboriginal Canadians."

Media contact: Bert Pomeroy, Communications, (709) 896-3099 or 896-1688.

2001 03 22              4:30 p.m.