Premier Dexter Speaks on Economic Development and Education for First Nation Communities

Premier Darrell Dexter spoke out on the importance of economic development and education for Aboriginal Peoples at the 2009 inaugural Aboriginal Affairs Working Group meeting, which wrapped up Thursday, Oct. 29, in Toronto, Ont.

Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister Brad Duguid chaired the meeting attended by Aboriginal Affairs ministers and the leaders of five national Aboriginal organizations. The group agreed to work together to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

"I am pleased and encouraged by today's discussions which I hope will lead to concrete improvements in the lives of Aboriginal Canadians," said Premier Dexter. "More than 50 per cent of First Nations people in Nova Scotia are under the age of 25 and this is not unique to our province.

"We need to work together to ensure young Aboriginal people have the knowledge and skills to participate in the workforce."

The meeting fulfills direction provided by premiers in a discussion last summer in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Ministers and leaders agreed to work co-operatively in the areas of economic development and education. In addition, they agreed that health and well-being will be discussed more broadly at the next meeting. Particular emphasis will be placed on issues of violence against Aboriginal women.

"These are issues we share across Canada. We are committed to working with the Mi'kmaq and the federal government to make tangible progress on these issues in Nova Scotia," said Premier Dexter.

The working group will meet again in April 2010.

BROADCAST:

Premier Darrell Dexter spoke out on the importance of

economic development and education for Aboriginal Peoples at the

2009 inaugural Aboriginal Affairs Working Group meeting which

wrapped up Thursday (October 29th) in Toronto.

Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister Brad Duguid chaired the

meeting attended by Aboriginal Affairs ministers and the leaders

of five national Aboriginal organizations. The group agreed to

work together to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal

peoples in Canada.