New funding for Aboriginal programming announced

The federal and provincial governments have teamed up to create the Skills and Partnership Fund, which is aimed at helping First Nations people find fulfilling long-term employment. The federal government will kick in $7.9 million and the province $1.5 million through the Ministry of the Economy as an investment in Northern Career Quest. Additional funding for the project will come from industry partners, including Cameco, Areva, and Northlands College. “Our government’s top priorities are job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity,” said MP Rob Clarke in a press release. “That is why we work with organizations like Northern Career Quest to ensure that Aboriginal people are able to take full advantage of economic opportunities.” Northern Career Quest will provide Aboriginal people in the province with classroom and on-site training and work experience in the mining industry. In two years, the organization will train 800 people for positions such as mining technicians, heavy equipment operators, welders, and office administration.