First Nations communities are benefitting from more than $165,000 in total provincial funding to conduct a labour market study that will look at long-term employment opportunities in their communities.

A new project with the Wet’suwet’en First Nation is running in co-operation with the Burns Lake Band, Nee TahiBuhn Band, Skin Tyee First Nation. The Nis Ts’edilh-We are Moving Forward project will create a three-year strategy that will research and identify labour market and training gaps, as well as opportunities in the Burns Lake region related to LNG and other resource development. The project is scheduled to be completed by mid-April 2016.

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 diverse, strong and growing economy.

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. Each year the ministry budgets $1 million for Labour Market Partnerships.

Quotes:

Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation –

“Labour Market Partnerships help communities identify the resources and skilled workers they need to secure employment and economic opportunities. This strategy will help these First Nations share in the economic opportunities that are opening up in the North and benefit their communities for years to come.”

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and MLA for Nechako Lakes –

“The Nis Ts’edilh-We are Moving Forward project will identify the labour market and training gaps, which will help people in the communities identify the skills they need to find good jobs. Meaningful employment is vitally important to improve the health, cultural and social well-being of Aboriginal communities throughout B.C.”

Shannon Haizimsque, Chief Operating Officer, Yinka Dene Economic Development –

“The Wet'suwet'en communities are pleased to participate in the Labour Market Partnership. We know that various developmental projects are expanding at a rapid pace and we as First Nations play an important role in solving environmental and social challenges in our region and beyond. But currently we know little about the full scope of the labour market in our region. This research project will provide the crucial information we need to inform strategies to stoke our continual growth and the benefits it brings to our communities.”

Quick Facts:

• 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/CEP

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