The Treaty 8 Tribal Association is receiving nearly $134,000 in B.C. government funding to undertake a labour market study that will help its members take advantage of regional economic development opportunities, including liquefied natural gas.

The Labour Market Partnership funding will help the tribal association hire a consultant to do a five-year action plan and study that will report on what skills are needed for future jobs, what skills gaps there are now and how employers can best meet their employment needs through local hiring.

The project lasts 43 weeks and will wrap up with a report that will be released in late August 2015. It will include short- and long-term strategies that will enable band members to take advantage of future economic opportunities.

The five Treaty 8 Tribal Association member bands that are participating are:

• Doig First Nation
• Halfway River First Nation
• Prophet River First Nation
• Saulteau First Nations
• West Moberly First Nations

Other Treaty 8 bands will be invited to participate in the research.

Labour Market Partnerships are a component of the Employment Program of BC’s Community and Employer Partnerships fund for projects that share labour market information and increase employability throughout the province. Labour Market Partnerships help local employers, employee and employer associations, and communities develop ways to deal with worker shortages or changes in the job market so they can prepare for the future. Projects that provide opportunities for people who are often disadvantaged in the workforce, such as people with disabilities, Aboriginal people and youth, are encouraged.

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae −

“It’s so important to have a solid plan in place in order to take advantage of future economic activity and the jobs that can result. This Community and Employer Partnership with the Treaty 8 Tribal Association will help Treaty 8 bands prepare for upcoming economic benefits in the region.”

Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation John Rustad −

“There are such great opportunities for First Nations where LNG is concerned and Treaty 8 Tribal Association Nations can be the cornerstone, along with other First Nations, in the northeast. This Labour Market Partnership study will set the stage for future economic growth and jobs within Treaty 8.”

Peace River North MLA Pat Pimm −

“Treaty 8 First Nations will play a very important part in supplying workers to help with the labour shortages that our area is going to see in the near and distant future. This report will go a long ways to identifying the areas that need to be strengthened so that we can all take advantage of these benefits.”

Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier −

“LNG will help grow our economy, create jobs and provide a bright and secure future for all British Columbians. This Labour Market Partnership will help the Treaty 8 Tribal Association develop a plan to help them take advantage of future economic and employment opportunities in the region, including LNG.”

Treaty 8 Tribal Association project holder Marlene Greyeyes −

“The Treaty 8 Tribal Association is pleased to participate in the Labour Market Partnership and to present opportunities to First Nations in skills and training that will lead to long-term employment.”

Quick Facts:

• In 2014-15, the ministry has committed to investing $331 million in employment and labour market programs under the Employment Program of BC.
• The Employment Program of BC is funded by the Province of British Columbia as well as the Government of Canada through the Labour Market Development Agreement.
• The Community and Employer Partnerships program is featured in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint that helps align training and education with in-demand jobs and provides more support to people who are struggling to gain a foothold in the job market or who face unique challenges.
• Funding supports 85 WorkBC Employment Services Centres throughout the province and the four components of the Community and Employer Partnerships fund:
  • Job Creation Partnerships
  • Labour Market Partnerships
  • Project-Based Labour Market Training
  • Research and Innovation
• Since 2006, the Province has provided oil and gas revenue-sharing opportunities to Treaty 8 First Nations through Economic Benefit Agreements and has entered into companion consultation agreements to support First Nation engagement in decision-making processes associated with resource development in the northeast.
• To date, the Province has shared more than $69 million in gas and other resource revenues with Treaty 8 First Nations located in the northeast of British Columbia.
• Released in April 2014, the B.C.’s  Skills for Jobs Blueprint places special focus on providing skills training for Aboriginal people.
  • B.C. is investing $4.4 million for Aboriginal community-based skills programming
  • $1 million for the Aboriginal Training for Employment Program

Who is eligible?

• Businesses
• Non-profit organizations
• Crown corporations
• Municipalities, agencies or territorial governments
• Bands/tribal councils
• Public health and educational institutions

Learn More:

For more information on Community and Employer Partnerships: www.workbc.ca/CEP

Find a local WorkBC Employment Services Centre: www.workbccentres.ca

For more information on B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: www.workbc.ca/skills

Learn more about the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation: www.gov.bc.ca/sdsi

Media Contacts:

Grant Kerr
Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
250 387-5635