Agreement To Develop Michelin's Aboriginal Workforce

ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS--Agreement To Develop Michelin's Aboriginal Workforce

Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. today, Nov. 20, signed an agreement to work with Nova Scotia and Ottawa to develop employment opportunities for Aboriginal people at its three plants in the province.

The agreement was signed by Michael Baker, Nova Scotia's Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Robert Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Janet Kennedy, director of human resources for Michelin North America (Canada) Inc., Don Julian, Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq and Chief Blair Francis, Union of Nova Scotia Indians.

"Michelin is taking a positive step toward helping young Aboriginals find future employment in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Baker.

Under the agreement, the parties will work together to enhance Aboriginal employment in Michelin's Nova Scotia operations.

Michelin will conduct an inventory of its plants and identify potential job opportunities.

The federal government, through the Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative (AWPI), will help communicate the information to Aboriginal organizations who will use it to develop training programs, help with career choices and take advantage of business opportunities.