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Continuing Investments Support Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership December 13, 2013
The Provincial Government, together with the Government of Canada, industry and Aboriginal partners, today celebrated the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership's ongoing success in providing meaningful employment, and new training opportunities for Aboriginal people in Labrador. The non-profit partnership is currently supported by over $14 million in funding from the Provincial and Federal Governments, Nalcor Energy, Innu Nation, Nunatsiavut Government, and NunatuKavut Community Council.

"The continued success of the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership will make Aboriginal workers integral to the many significant projects and development underway or planned in the region, such as the Muskrat Falls Project. This partnership helps to further establish Newfoundland and Labrador as one of the most competitive and dynamic economies in Canada."
- The Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills

A special ceremony held at the Lawrence O'Brien Arts Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay this morning provided an update on the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership. The partnership was formed to enhance the education, training and skill levels of three Aboriginal groups in Labrador in order to maximize their participation in the Lower Churchill Project and other resource projects.

"Canada's long-term prosperity depends on the labour market participation of all its citizens, particularly those under-represented in the workforce, such as Aboriginal people. In partnership with the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and other stakeholders, the Government of Canada is helping Aboriginal people get the skills and training they need to secure meaningful employment and build better futures for themselves."
- Scott Armstrong, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment and Social Development

Between 2010 and 2012, 398 Aboriginal women and men have obtained employment through the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership, with most working in trades-related occupations. There are nine targeted training programs supported by the partnership – this includes training for employment opportunities on the Muskrat Falls Project, such as concrete formworkers; tower steel assemblers; scaffolding; rebar and construction craft workers.

"Our government is committed to removing barriers to education and training, which are critical components of achieving long-term successes for Aboriginal persons. The Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership is a reflection of that commitment."
- The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs

The Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership continues to build on the New Dawn Agreements with the Labrador Innu Nation and strengthens the relationship between the Provincial Government, NunatuKavut Community Council and Nunatsiavut Government.

"The real success of the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership is that it goes beyond providing a financial investment; it is an avenue for Aboriginal people to discover world-class training, secure meaningful employment and realize personal potential, which will benefit their families and communities for the long term."
- Keith Russell, MHA for Lake Melville

Examples of ongoing success of the Labrador Aboriginal Partnership can be found in the attached backgrounder. For more information, including application details, please visit www.latp.ca Opens in a new window, or call 1-877-896-5006.

"Aboriginal persons are excited about the economic, educational, and training opportunities generated through the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership, because they are essential components to the long-term sustainability of our communities."
- Keith Jacque, Executive Director, Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS
The Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership's ongoing success is providing meaningful employment, and new training opportunities for Aboriginal people in Labrador.
The partnership's mandate has been extended to 2015 with the receipt of an additional $14 million in June 2013.
The partnership was founded in 2009, with a total of $30 million from the Provincial and Federal governments, Nalcor, Innu Nation, Nunatsiavut Government, and NunatuKavut Community Council.
During construction of the Muskrat Falls Project, an average of 1,500 jobs across 70 skilled trades and occupations will be created with about 3,300 jobs at peak in 2015.
Muskrat Falls will ensure that the province will generate approximately 98 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy sources.
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LATP opens doors, unveils new logo
On Monday March 8,2010 the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership (LATP) held its official opening at its head office in Happy Valley–Goose Bay. LATP is a partnership between Lower Churchill Project and Labrador's three Aboriginal groups‐ Innu Nation, the Nunatsiavut Government and the Labrador Metis Nation and was formed through the partner's successful application to the federal government's Aboriginal Skills Employment Program. The four partners, along with the federal and provincial government, will contribute approximately $30 million in cash and in‐kind contributions to provide Aboriginal people in Labrador with increased employment opportunities associated with major economic development activities. The funding agreement is in place until March 31, 2012.
 
Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership (LATP) 2009
NEW: Partnership brings $30 million in funding for Labrador Aboriginal training

The provincial and federal governments, along with Labrador's three Aboriginal groups and Nalcor Energy – Lower Churchill Project, will contribute $30 million to provide Aboriginal people in Labrador with increased employment opportunities associated with major economic development activities. The result of the partnership is the establishment of the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership (LATP).

The purpose of the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership (LATP) is to assist with improving labour market outcomes for Aboriginal people and providing support for a skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force.

The mandate of the LATP is to oversee a comprehensive Training-to-Employment Plan that will prepare Inuit, Innu, and Metis for employment opportunities created through resource development throughout Labrador. It is an incorporated non-profit organization governed by a board of directors, with one voting member from each of the four partners. Each Aboriginal group has contributed their own training plan to LATP and will have autonomy and flexibility to ensure training opportunities fit their needs.

LATP will offer education, training, and job placement support to Aboriginal men, women and youth.

Training will focus on apprenticeship type occupations, such areas those applicable to the construction trades. Examples of the type of training opportunities include Heavy Equipment Operator, Iron Worker, Concrete Worker, Truck Driver, various Camp Support positions, and Supervisory and Management positions.

The partnership will also contribute to training and workplace experience in Operations Management and Emergency Response, which are in demand by Aboriginal, private and public sector employers in the region. Specific Apprenticeship and Certification information can be found HERE on the Government of Newfoundland website.

LATP's main office will be in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and satellite offices may also be set up on Labrador's north and south coasts and in the Innu communities of Natuashish and Sheshatshiu. In the coming months, LATP will hold community information sessions throughout Labrador, providing Aboriginal people with further details. An official event unveiling the Happy Valley–Goose Bay office will take place in March.

The four partners submitted the ASEP proposal to the federal government in May 2009 and the $30 million funding agreement will be in place until March 31, 2012.