CanNor invests in skilled trades development in the North

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Iqaluit, Nunavut (March 21, 2012) – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and Minister of Health today announced investments for skills training programs in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut that will help northern youth to participate in the skilled trades and technology sectors.

“The Government of Canada is proud to make investments that will give both northern youth and businesses expanded opportunities for local employment in important sectors that contribute to our economic growth such as mining, construction and tourism,” said Minister Aglukkaq.

“The development of the pre-trades Skills Club modules will be integral in promoting skilled trades and technology careers amongst Nunavummiut youth,” said Amanda Kilabuk, Executive Director of Skills Canada Nunavut. “These extra-curricular clubs provide exposure to different skilled trades and technology careers that Nunavut youth may not be exposed to in their communities. The funding from CanNor will allow Skills Canada Nunavut to deliver consistent programming across Nunavut and increase the promotion of the skilled trades and technology sector.”

“We’re very excited that CanNor has committed to supporting the evolution of our Skills Clubs,” said Jan Fullerton, Executive Director of Skills Canada Northwest Territories. “The Skills Clubs have already had a significant impact in a number of communities around the NWT by providing youth with a low-risk, low-cost opportunity to explore skilled trades and technology. Moving forward, our goal is to make the Skills Clubs more financially independent by incorporating revenue-generating activities. With project partners such as the NWT Literacy Council, we will introduce elements such as entrepreneurship, financial management, marketing and more, all in the context of skilled trades and technology.”

These projects are made possible through funding from CanNor's Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program which focuses on long-term economic growth, economic diversification, and capacity building in all three territories.

SINED is one of several economic development programs within CanNor. CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering Canada's economic development across the North, and for related policy development, research and advocacy.

Please visit these web sites to learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan   and Canada's Northern Strategy  .

• Backgrounder - CanNor invests in skilled trades and technology career development in the North

For further information, please contact:

Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Cailin Rodgers
613 957-0200

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Kathleen McLeod
Communications Manager
867 975-3751

Skills Canada Nunavut
Amanda Kilabuk
Executive Director
867 979-7258

Skills Canada NWT
Jan Fullerton
Executive Director
867-873-8743

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