Canada and Alberta sign Aboriginal Employment Partnership Agreement with Calgary Health Region

April 04, 2007

CALGARY, AB– Canada’s New Government and the Province of Alberta today signed a partnership agreement with Calgary Health Region to promote career and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people.

The agreement was signed by Ted Menzies, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and the Minister of International Cooperation, Harvey Cenaiko, Alberta MLA for Calgary-Buffalo and Jack Davis, President & CEO, Calgary Health Region.

The agreement commits the parties to working with the Aboriginal community to recruit and retain Aboriginal employees and provide educational and training opportunities in the area of health care. It reflects fairness and equity, open communication, participation and inclusion, and community input.

The agreement is part of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada’s Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative, a program that promotes the participation of all Aboriginal peoples – First Nations, Métis and Inuit – in the labour market.

"To promote meaningful participation of Aboriginal people in the workforce, Canada's New Government is proud to be partnering with some of Canada's leading companies, public agencies, industry, professional and labour groups," said Minister Prentice. "By signing this agreement, we are working to ensure that employers can recruit, retain and promote Aboriginal employees."

This partnership underscores the Government of Alberta’s Aboriginal policy to enhance the well-being and self-reliance of Aboriginal people. Partnerships with other levels of government, the public and private sector can help Aboriginal people gain greater access to the labour market by enhancing employment and training opportunities.

ALBERTA QUOTE STILL TO COME

“Recruiting, developing and retaining health care workers is one of the Calgary Health Region’s most important priorities. We are proud to participate in this unique partnership,” said Davis.

This release is also available on the Internet at http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca.

For further information contact:

Kelly Payn
Communications
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(780) 495-2840 James Finstad
Communications
Calgary Health Region
(403) 943-1296

Jason Gariepy
Assistant Communications Director
Alberta International, Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Relations
780-415-0876