Expanding Aboriginal Participation in Newfoundland and Labrador’s Workforce

Continuing Investments Support Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership

The Provincial Government, together with the Government of Canada, industry and Aboriginal partners, today celebrated the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership’s ongoing success in providing meaningful employment, and new training opportunities for Aboriginal people in Labrador. The non-profit partnership is currently supported by over $14 million in funding from the Provincial and Federal Governments, Nalcor Energy, Innu Nation, Nunatsiavut Government, and NunatuKavut Community Council.

“The continued success of the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership will make Aboriginal workers integral to the many significant projects and development underway or planned in the region, such as the Muskrat Falls Project. This partnership helps to further establish Newfoundland and Labrador as one of the most competitive and dynamic economies in Canada.”
- The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills

A special ceremony held at the Lawrence O’Brien Arts Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay this morning provided an update on the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership. The partnership was formed to enhance the education, training and skill levels of three Aboriginal groups in Labrador in order to maximize their participation in the Lower Churchill Project and other resource projects.

“Canada’s long-term prosperity depends on the labour market participation of all its citizens, particularly those under-represented in the workforce, such as Aboriginal people. In partnership with the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and other stakeholders, the Government of Canada is helping Aboriginal people get the skills and training they need to secure meaningful employment and build better futures for themselves.”
- Scott Armstrong, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment and Social Development

Between 2010 and 2012, 398 Aboriginal women and men have obtained employment through the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership, with most working in trades-related occupations. There are nine targeted training programs supported by the partnership – this includes training for employment opportunities on the Muskrat Falls Project, such as concrete formworkers; tower steel assemblers; scaffolding; rebar and construction craft workers.

“Our government is committed to removing barriers to education and training, which are critical components of achieving long-term successes for Aboriginal persons. The Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership is a reflection of that commitment.”
- The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs

The Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership continues to build on the New Dawn Agreements with the Labrador Innu Nation and strengthens the relationship between the Provincial Government, NunatuKavut Community Council and Nunatsiavut Government.

“The real success of the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership is that it goes beyond providing a financial investment; it is an avenue for Aboriginal people to discover world-class training, secure meaningful employment and realize personal potential, which will benefit their families and communities for the long term.”
- Keith Russell, MHA for Lake Melville

Examples of ongoing success of the Labrador Aboriginal Partnership can be found in the attached backgrounder. For more information, including application details, please visit www.latp.ca , or call 1-877-896-5006.

“Aboriginal persons are excited about the economic, educational, and training opportunities generated through the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership, because they are essential components to the long-term sustainability of our communities.”
- Keith Jacque, Executive Director, Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS

• The Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership’s ongoing success is providing meaningful employment, and new training opportunities for Aboriginal people in Labrador.
• The partnership’s mandate has been extended to 2015 with the receipt of an additional $14 million in June 2013.
• The partnership was founded in 2009, with a total of $30 million from the Provincial and Federal governments, Nalcor, Innu Nation, Nunatsiavut Government, and NunatuKavut Community Council.
• During construction of the Muskrat Falls Project, an average of 1,500 jobs across 70 skilled trades and occupations will be created with about 3,300 jobs at peak in 2015.
• Muskrat Falls will ensure that the province will generate approximately 98 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy sources.

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BACKGROUNDER
Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership

The Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership prepares members through training and employment initiatives, which take place at established training institutions.

Highlights of success include:

• Successful delivery through College of the North Atlantic of three programs: Construction Craft Worker, Occupational Health and Safety Fundamentals, and Environmental Monitor;
• Successful delivery of carpentry and heavy equipment operator pre-employment training programs through Academy Canada;
• Increasing the journeyperson ratio from two-to-one to five-to-one in Sheshatshiu and Natuashish;
• Creation of a firefighter training program in Sheshatshiu, through Fisheries and Marine Institute, where graduates are working in their field, both for the community of Sheshatshiu, as well as the Muskrat Falls Project.

Aboriginal men, women and youth are eligible to apply for education and training that focuses on apprenticeship-type occupations. Examples include those applicable to construction trades, various camp operations and supervisory and management positions.

Individuals approved for funding have various costs covered, including tuition, school materials, living costs and travel allowances.

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