The Skills and Partnership Fund is part of the Government of Canada's approach to help First Nations, Métis and Inuit get training and work experience to secure meaningful and long-term employment.
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Launched in July 2010, the Skills and Partnership Fund (SPF) encourages Aboriginal organizations to create partnerships with government, business and community organizations that drive change, improve skills training and create opportunities for Aboriginal people.
SPF responds to the changing needs and priorities of the labour market while providing opportunities for Aboriginal people to fully participate in Canada's economy. The Government of Canada is investing $210 million over five years in this partnership-based, opportunity-driven fund.
The Government of Canada also funds the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy, which is an integrated approach to Aboriginal labour market programming that links training to labour market demand. The Strategy supports more than 80 Aboriginal organizations in the delivery of programs and services to increase Aboriginal participation in the Canadian labour market. It focuses on three strategic priorities: supporting skills development; fostering partnerships with the private sector and the provinces and territories; and accountability and results. The program was launched in April 2010 with funding of $1.6 billion over five years.
Finally, through the First Nations Job Fund, on-reserve First Nations youth between the ages of 18 to 24 in participating communities who receive Income Assistance and are deemed employable will be able to access the skills and training they need to secure employment. Launched in Economic Action Plan 2013 and administered by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, the Job Fund is being implemented across the country with First Nations communities over three years through a phased-in approach.
The First Nations Job Fund is not applicable in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, where the territorial governments have responsibility for social assistance programming for all residents.
SOURCE Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
For further information:
This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For more information, contact:
Johanna Quinney
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Social Development)
819-953-2350
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
