Job creation plan launched for northern Ontario

With plenty of employment opportunities available in Ontario’s north, one of the only burdens to getting jobs is being properly trained for them.
To help address this issue, the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs launched the Northern Training Partnership Fund in Thunder Bay – a three-year $45 million initiative – July 22.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Chris Bentley explained the program provides northern communities with better access to skills training opportunities, leading to jobs in resource-related sectors, including energy, mining, and forestry.
“The announcement of the Northern Training Partnership Fund is something the Red Rock Indian Band is very excited about,” said Red Rock Chief Pierre Pelletier. “The fund will provide opportunities for our band citizens and is essential for our citizens to have an equal chance at meaningful jobs in the future.”
According to the ministry, eligible projects must involve a collaboration between industry and Aboriginal or northern communities or organizations. This will ensure northerners benefit from the opportunities provided by projects such as the Ring of Fire and other innovative technologies.
“Far North First Nations have a clear desire to benefit from future opportunities in resource-based industries,” said Natural Resources Minister Linda Jeffrey. “This program will lead to increased employment as well as addressing skill training needs related to community based land use planning.”
Added Aboriginal Affairs Minister Chris Bentley: “We are providing project-based skills training for First Nation and Métis peoples and northern Ontarians so they can acquire workplace skills for existing or emerging jobs. This is an excellent opportunity for all in the North to benefit from resource-related activities.”
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy said it is essential for NAN community members to take advantage of the skills development opportunities so they are part of the development and economic growth opportunities such as mining.
“NAN territory is home to new and exciting prospects such as the activity taking place in the Ring of Fire – it’s important that we play a role in that development,” Beardy said.
Also included in the funding announcement was $2 million annually over three years for training for land-use planning.
However, Beardy said funding is not enough.
“Land-use planning is essential to determine what areas need to be protected and what areas could be developed,” he said. “Proper resourcing on a timely basis for community-driven land-use planning is a priority for NAN communities in order to create opportunities for all future economic activity. A more significant amount of funding is required to ensure proper-planning for an area that spans 55 million hectares, two-thirds of Ontario.”
Anyone interested must apply for training dollars. The first application-funding deadline is Sept. 10.