February 28, 2022 Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada

Indigenous peoples continue to face multiple and persistent barriers to entering and succeeding in the labor market. At the same time, Canada’s economic recovery from COVID-19 is being tested by labor shortages in key sectors. For these reasons, the Government of Canada is working with Indigenous peoples and organizations to help prioritize their access to the targeted skills development opportunities they need to succeed.

Today, the Minister for Jobs, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, launched an open call for proposals for the Skills and Partnership Fund (SPF ), a long-standing Indigenous labor market program that funds partnerships between Indigenous organizations and employers.

Through targeted projects, the SPF program provides Aboriginal people with the skills needed to fill in-demand jobs. The goal is to reduce the skills and employment gaps that exist between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people and to increase the participation of Aboriginal people in the labor market.

Priority will be given to projects targeting the following sectors:

• Green Economy – Industries that support more efficient use and alternative sources of renewable energy;
• Information and Communications Technology – Industries that support and contribute to the manufacture of goods and/or provision of services related to broadband, connectivity, computers, software and other communications technologies;
• Infrastructure – Industries that support the construction, operation and maintenance of physical infrastructure that advances Canada’s goals. They can also support the development of a community;
• Blue Economy – Industries that support long-term growth in ocean sectors such as ocean energy, marine infrastructure, aquaculture, commercial fishing, coastal and marine tourism, and ocean technology; and
• Indigenous public sector – Indigenous governments and public services owned and operated by Indigenous governments, such as law enforcement, emergency services, infrastructure, land administration, public transit, public education, child care and health care.

To help improve the CPF program, Employment and Social Development Canada engaged nearly 200 participants through 50 sessions, including Indigenous organizations, industry, provinces and territories, academic institutions and others. federal departments. As a result of this engagement process, a “Learned Report” was produced, shared with participants and posted online. The report provides an overview of the rich discussions that took place and the valuable feedback that was provided during the engagement sessions. Highlights include the importance of renewing relationships with partners and ensuring Indigenous voices shape program priorities.

Indigenous organizations can apply by May 9 through Grants and Contributions Online Services, by email or by mail. Visit the Skills and Partnerships Fund