Notes for an address by

The Honourable Lynne Yelich
Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification

Funding announcement

Corresponding Document: News Release (2010-04-16)

Check against delivery

Thank you Jacques (emcee). 

Mr. (Wayne) Helgason,  ladies and Gentlemen.

It is indeed a pleasure for me to be here today on behalf of the Government of Canada and my colleague the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.

The Government of Canada is working to make a real and immediate difference by addressing the socio-economic gaps which exist between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. The Government of Canada is also committed to supporting economic development and growth in key sectors such as the aerospace industry.

Aerospace in Western Canada directly supports over 15,000 jobs and generates more than $4 billion in annual revenue. The aerospace industry in Manitoba is strong.  It is one of the pillars of the economy.

Today, I am pleased to announce $503,500 in funding to the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD) for the Neeginan Aerospace Training Centre. $276,669 is being provided through the Western Diversification Program and $103,308 is being provided under the Urban Aboriginal Strategy.

This investment supports equipment purchases and training workers for the aerospace industry.  It is estimated that 50 students will be trained each year. The program is part of the Aboriginal Aerospace Employment Initiative, a partnership with CAHRD and the Manitoba Aerospace Human Resource Coordinating Committee. 

This is an example of federal departments working together and streamlining the process with Western Economic Diversification Canada working with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, using the Urban Aboriginal Strategy to administer this project.

The Urban Aboriginal Strategy – UAS – is a coordinated initiative that brings together all levels of government, community groups, Aboriginal organizations and the private sector to target resources where they are most needed and to identify initiatives that address local priorities. By bringing together various partners who share their knowledge, skills and expertise, the UAS is able to maximize the effectiveness of existing community investments in producing solid results.

Through this wonderful training opportunity, Aboriginal students will gain the skills necessary to pursue career opportunities in the aerospace industry that are in high demand. They will not only have long-term sustainable jobs, they will contribute to stabilizing the workforce.

By working together, government, industry, and the community are able to identify and achieve mutual goals and objectives. The Canadian economy is emerging from the economic downturn as one of the strongest and most resilient in the developed world.  However, we need to continue being vigilant.

This will be accomplished by creating and protecting jobs, building infrastructure, easing the tax burden on families, supporting Canadians who have lost their jobs, helping threatened industries, and laying the foundations for our future prosperity.

Today is evidence that, together, we are working to build a stronger West for a stronger Canada.

Thank you / merci.