The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan will invest over $3.4 million to deliver skills training programs to northern Saskatchewan residents. A successful hospitality-training program will be extended, resulting in up to 160 Northerners trained and employed in the tourism industry. Additional funding will be provided for road construction training for a total of almost 160 northern residents.

The projects were announced today in La Ronge by Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis Relations Minister June Draude, Saskatoon-Humboldt Member of Parliament Brad Trost, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council of Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council director Carol Lumb, and Northlands College CEO Bill McLaughlin.

“The Government of Canada is committed to partnerships which help Aboriginal people access job prospects in remote and northern locations,” said MP Trost. “This investment in skills and knowledge training will result in better-paying jobs for northern Saskatchewan residents.”

“Our government is investing in training for northern and Aboriginal people so that they can make the most of our strong economy and build careers here at home,” said Draude. “Partnerships such as this will help secure a prosperous future for Saskatchewan.”

Western Economic Diversification (WD), through the Canada-Saskatchewan Northern Development Agreement (NDA), will deliver the federal funding for the two training programs.

“The Northern Development Board Corporation (NDBC) has a proven track record that northerners can work together and with the federal and provincial governments to address common goals,” said Gordon Stomp chair of the NDBC.  “The projects announced today provide training for up to 322 northerners which will enable them to acquire gainful employment.”

“Tourism Saskatchewan and STEC appreciate this opportunity to broaden our Ready to Work program, which provides practical classroom learning, as well as hands-on training and mentoring to people preparing to enter the workforce", said Carol Lumb, Director of the Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council (STEC), a division of Tourism Saskatchewan.  "In addition to the current project underway in Pinehouse Lake, Ready to Work will be delivered in seven communities across the north.  We commend the generous support and commitment to northern training demonstrated by our federal and provincial government partners, along with local First Nations and communities.”

“The funds provided by Western Economic Diversification and Advanced Education, Employment and Labour has enabled Northlands College to address the training needs associated with development of basic infrastructure in the North”, said Bill McLaughlin, CEO of Northlands College.  “Over the duration of the project, the College will train 150 heavy equipment operators and 12 heavy duty mechanics through to journey level status.”
 
The Canada-Saskatchewan Northern Development Agreement is providing up to $20 million over six years (2002-2008) for economic development initiatives in northern Saskatchewan.

For further information, contact:

Joanne Mysak
Manager, Consultation, Marketing and Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 975-5942

Gordon Stomp
Chair
Northern Development Board
Box 660
La Ronge, SK
Phone: (306) 425-2107

Lynne Kennedy
Training Consultant
Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council
A division of Tourism Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK
Phone: (306) 933-7187
1-800-331-1529

Scott Boyes
Director of Communications
Northern Affairs Branch
First Nations and Métis Relations
La Ronge, SK 
Phone: (306) 425-6669

Bill McLaughlin
CEO
Northlands College
La Ronge SK
Phone: (306) 425-4480