Youths Learn About Career Opportunities At Job Fair

ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS--Youths Learn About Career Opportunities At Job Fair

About 350 Aboriginal youths from the Atlantic provinces are in Halifax today, Nov. 25, for a one-day job fair to learn about future career opportunities.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Michael Baker of Nova Scotia opened the fair this morning.

He told participants at the Blueprint for the Future Fair that the forum will expand their horizons at a time when they are preparing to take their place in Canada's 21st century workplace.

The fair is one of a series held across Canada to expose Aboriginal youths to the opportunities available if they complete their education. Representatives from a large cross-section of businesses will talk to the young people about various career options.

The event is organized by symphony conductor and composer John Kim Bell, founder of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation and of the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards.

Mr. Kim Bell told a luncheon audience on Monday, Nov. 24 that the average 70 per cent dropout rate among Aboriginal youths is unacceptable and unless the trend is reversed it will cause major socio-economic problems for Canada in the future.

Aboriginal youth is the fastest growing population group in Canada.