Intertribal Life Newspaper -

YELLOWKNIFE, NWT-In June, the governments of Canada and Northwest Territories signed agreements that will see Canada provide Northwest Territories with over $46 million over six years to invest in Northwest Territories workers. These agreements represent an increase in funding of nearly $4 million over the period, compared to previous funding levels, and helping an estimated 1,300 more workers in Northwest Territories over the six years.

Speaking at the Native Women's Association of the Northwest Territories, Michael McLeod said that these agreements will significantly increase the jobs and skills training available to people in Northwest Territories, including pre-employment and training readiness, upskilling, academic upgrading and more. "To drive the kind of economic growth that is inclusive and builds up our economy, we need to invest in people. Our government committed to do just that, and we are delivering with $4 million more in funding to help 1,300 more people get the skills they need to do well," said McLeod.

Through these new agreements, the Government of Canada is ensuring more people benefit from these programs than before-including people from groups typically underrepresented in our workforce, such as people with disabilities, women and Indigenous people.

"A strong labor market is critical to the Northwest Territories' economic future and a primary focus for the government of the Northwest Territories. These strengthened agreements will help employers to find and train the workers they need and assist individuals to access the skills-upgrading programs and supports they need to secure employment and advance in the labor market," said The Honourable Caroline Cochrane Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women for Northwest Territories.

As innovation and technology continue to change how people live and work, those in Northwest Territories and across Canada face new challenges and new opportunities. The agreements designed to help are the new Workforce Development Agreement (WDA) and the Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA). In the first two years Northwest Territories will receive over $15 million-more than $6 million through the WDA and more than $9 million through the LMDA.

These agreements include a commitment to performance measurement that allows Canada and Northwest Territories to measure how programs are increasing people's earnings, helping them get jobs that last, and breaking down barriers for underrepresented groups like Indigenous people, people with disabilities and women. The Government of Canada will be reporting to Canadians on the impacts of these programs, so that they are transparent and so that they can be continually improved.

The WDA will help individuals, employers and organizations in the Northwest Territories through the delivery of training and services, such as:

• Skills Development Program;

• Employee Training Program; and,

• Community Training Partnerships.

Funding under the LMDA will allow Northwest Territories to help individuals, employers and organizations to meet their needs, though measures such as:

• Skills Development Program;

• Employment Assistance Services; and,

• Job Creation Partnerships.