Funding Announced for Aboriginal Training Project

Members of the Mi'kmaq community in Millbrook will be better prepared for jobs in their community because of $288,600 in funding from the province.

The funding is for the Mi'kmaq Seven Generations Society to oversee a wage subsidies project for 47 people who will have six-month job placements in trades, construction and hospitality.

"Supporting under-represented groups in the labour force is a key part of our jobsHere strategy," said Minister of Labour and Workforce Development Marilyn More. "This funding will help ensure Aboriginal people in Millbrook, Indian Brook and Pictou Landing First Nations have the necessary skills and work experience to compete in the local labour market."

With the expected development of a new hotel and water park in Millbrook First Nation, this funding will help the Mi'kmaq Seven Generations Society develop experience within the Aboriginal community to fill the positions needed for the projects.

"The Mi'kmaq Seven Generations Society is pleased to have such a strong partnership with the Department of Labour and Workforce Development," said Bill Pictou, executive director, Mi'kmaq Seven Generations Society. "Together we will create lasting benefits for Nova Scotia's Aboriginal people, their families and their communities."

In the fiscal year 2010-11, the government has allocated more than $900,000 to eleven Aboriginal employment projects under the Canada-Nova Scotia Labour Market Agreement. The Canada-Nova Scotia Labour Market Agreement supports individuals and communities in Nova Scotia by providing training and work experience programs that will help individuals attach or re-attach to the labour market.

Additional information on Employment Nova Scotia programs and funding is available at www.gov.ns.ca/employmentnovascotia/ .