Lower Mainland First Nations will be developing strategies to gain in-demand skills and training as part of a Labour Market Partnership study funded by the provincial government.

The eight-month study received over $156,000 in funding from the B.C. government and is a collaboration between the Kwikwetlem First Nation, Musqueam First Nation, Squamish First Nation, Tsleil-Waututh First Nation and Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

A million job openings are expected in B.C. by 2022. This study will provide participating First Nations with a roadmap to help the people in their communities gain the skills they need to participate in B.C.’s growing economy.

Project researchers will work with Lower Mainland industries to compile a list of in-demand skills and jobs and then survey Aboriginal communities to identify existing employment and training gaps. The final report will contain strategies to focus skills training and development to help First Nations secure employment with local industry. 

Initial industry participants include Woodfibre LNG and Fortis BC, among others. Interested employers are encouraged to contact the university’s Continuing and Professional Studies department to find out more about how to participate in the study.

Quotes:

Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation -

“A Labour Market Partnership study lays the foundation for economic and employment opportunities. This project will provide valuable research on the skills employers are looking for and the areas participating First Nations can focus on for skills and training development. By strengthening ties between First Nations and industry, the project will help all participants meet their employment needs.”

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -

“The Province is contributing to meaningful reconciliation in important areas such as skills training, revenue sharing and new economic opportunities. This project will ensure industry has access to a skilled workforce and help Aboriginal people gain the skills they need to secure jobs in growing sectors like LNG.”

Mary Polak, Minister of Environment and MLA for Langley -

“This project is a great partnership between Kwantlen Polytechnic University and local First Nations. By connecting First Nations with industry, it will help Aboriginal communities develop the skills they need to benefit from our strong and growing economy.”

Squamish First Nation employment and training department head Faye Halls -

“We are looking forward to working with Kwantlen Polytechnic University on this Labour Market Partnership along with the three other nations in our shared traditional territory. We have worked with KPU on several projects in the past and due to their sensitivity to our First Nations culture we have been able to develop some well-rounded holistic training programs. I feel that this information gathered from this project will enable us to work together to develop new ground-breaking programs designed to meet our objective of equipping our students with the necessary skills and knowledge to either further their education or gain employment.”

Musqueam Indian Band employment and training manager Wanona Scott -

“Like many of B.C.’s First Nations, Musqueam is in various stages of community development and acknowledge the fact that if they are to achieve their development goals, they will need strong, healthy, skilled people. With this is mind, the Musqueam First Nation strongly supports this initiative and looks forward to working alongside Kwantlen Polytechnic University.”

Tseil-Waututh First Nation director of community development Angella George -

“This is a very important initiative that will be ideal in identifying First Nation skills training, employment needs and gaps, as well as industry labour force needs in relation to LNG and related opportunities. The results will create a systemic change that will improve employability and career path development for all First Nations across the mainland.”

Kwantlen Polytechnic University president Dr. Alan Davis -

“Kwantlen Polytechnic University is proud to undertake this important work, which we hope will generate new opportunities for our First Nations communities.”

Woodfibre LNG Limited vice president corporate affairs Byng Giraud -

“As a proponent of a proposed LNG project in Squamish B.C., we believe that the information obtained through this initiative will be invaluable not just to our industry, but for industry across the province. Through a better understanding of educational resources, community and First Nations’ needs - proponents can develop more targeted planning for local training and local employment.”

Quick Facts:

• Labour Market Partnerships are a component of the Employment Program of B.C.’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.
• In 2015-16, 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 84 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

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

For more information on the Kwikwetlem First Nation: www.kwikwetlem.com 

For more information on the Musqueam First Nation: www.musqueam.bc.ca

For more information on the Squamish First Nation: www.squamish.net

For more information on the Tseil-Waututh First Nation: www.twnation.ca

For more information on Kwantlen Polytechnic University: www.kpu.ca

For more information on Kwantlen Polytechnic University Continuing and Professional Studies department: www.kpu.ca/cps

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

Learn more about the Employment Programs of BC: http://www.sdsi.gov.bc.ca/programs/epbc/index.htm

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

Media Contacts:

Maryann Anderson
Ministry of Social Development
and Social Innovation
250 213-1493