KRG: Québec is investing over $6.5 million in two workforce training projects in Nunavik

The Gouvernement du Québec is providing the Kativik Regional Government (KRG) with $6,528,572 in funding over three years for two major Inuit workforce training projects in Nunavik.

Jean Boucher, MNA for Ungava and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks, made the announcement today in Kuujjuaq on behalf of Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity, François Blais.

The sum of $3,445,378 will go to the Kautaapikkut project, which aims to train 354 people to fill 308 mining jobs in the Nord-du-Québec region. The Sanajiit project, which is focused on developing a strong construction workforce, will receive $3,083,194 in funding to help train 525 workers and create 300 jobs. In addition to the KRG, mining and construction companies are also partnering in these major initiatives.

Quotes:

“Our government attaches great importance to economic development in the North and wants local communities to reap the benefits. These projects will help the Inuit develop their job skills and thereby create a more highly qualified local workforce for the benefit of employers. In the current context of full employment in Québec, this financial support is part of the 2018-2023 National Workforce Strategy, which provides for nearly $1.3 billion in spending on meaningful measures, including direct support for employment integration and retention of First Nations and Inuit people.” François Blais, Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity “The Inuit population is young and full of potential. I am proud of our government for taking concrete, culturally adapted steps to support Inuit workers in Nunavik. The Kautaapikkut and Sanajiit projects will benefit not only workers, but also the corporate partners, which will have access to a properly qualified local workforce. These projects will support Nunavik’s economy and thereby improve the quality of life of Nunavimmiut.” Geoffrey Kelley, Minister responsible for Native Affairs “By giving hundreds of Nunavimmiut access to high-paying jobs close to home, these workforce training projects will have positive social and economic impacts in Nunavik. I am happy that our government is encouraging businesses to grow as well as fostering training of the local workforce.” Jean Boucher, MNA for Ungava and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks

“The Sanajiit and Kautaapikkut projects are crucial to Nunavik’s economic development and self-sufficiency. They include various programs liable to attract many Inuit who want to upgrade their knowledge and skills, learn a new trade or find a new job. The continuation of these two KRG-backed projects will provide the Nunavimmiut with more job and training opportunities as well as ensure more sustainable employment through meaningful participation of the local population.” Jennifer Munick, Chairperson of the Kativik Regional Government

Highlights:

The Sanajiit and Kautaapikkut projects reflect the Gouvernement du Québec desire to ensure economic development in the North. In addition to fostering the professional integration and increasing the employability of Inuit, the projects ensure a better balance between employment supply and demand in the construction and mining sectors.

The Kautaapikkut project helps create jobs for the following partners: Glencore, Canadian Royalties and the Nunavik Mineral Exploration Fund. It falls under the roughly $39.5-million Nunavik Mining Sustainable Employment and Training Strategy of the KRG and its partners.

The goal of the Sanajiit project is to increase the number of Inuit construction workers in Nunavik through special skills development and training. Based on a culturally grounded approach, the project supports participants every step of the way. It has three components: pre-employment training, on-the-job training and employment support. It also offers introductory courses and skills upgrading for construction workers.

The 2018-2023 National Workforce Strategy was unveiled on May 22, 2018 and represents over $1.3 billion in investments over the next five years. Built on 47 actions by 11 government departments and bodies, the strategy has two goals: to ensure that more people are employed and to create an environment conducive to obtaining the skills required to work in Québec’s rapidly changing economy.

NT5