 Fort McMurray, AB ( June 15, 2007) Industryofficials andMétis communityleadersfrom Local 1935gathered in support of the Métis Nation of Alberta’s (MNA) Labour Market Development program (LMD) June 13, 2007 in Fort McMurray.
The event,with 100 people in attendance,wasan awards banquet held in conjunction with the program’s annualconference and was sponsored by Devon Canada, Encana, Keyano College, North AmericanOil Sands, Syncrude and Trans CanadaPipelines.
“I think it’s wonderfulthatthese organizations are taking such an active interest in our LMD program,” MNA President Audrey Poitras said “We have always believed that industry can take an active role in encouraging and helping developthe Aboriginallabourforce by becoming committed partners and directing appropriate initiatives and resources to this process.”
The highlight of the evening was when three former LMD clients spoke to the crowd about how the MNA helped them pursue their education and training goals; Armie Tremblay,a second year Millwright apprentice; Michael Jakeman,alaw graduate who recently opened his ownlawpractice in Fort McMurray; and,Jennifer Simms,whocompleted the program for heavy equipment operatorsand recently accepteda job at Albian Sands (the same company employing Tremblay).
“Tomorroweverything should be signed and completed and I will officially be a part of the team at Albian Sands as a heavy equipment operator,” Simms said. “And I owe it all to the many people in this room. I can’t thank you enough.”
Simms specifically thanked Keyano College, the MNA and Albian Sands for supporting the co-op program she took part in.
The MNA Director ofLabour Market Development, Lorne Gladue, said he wanted to "express sincere thanks to the Board of Local 1935 and theirPresident Bill Louttit for the welcoming BBQ and overall general support ofLMD program in the Wood Buffalo region.”
The LMD program’s focus is developing and implementing labour market strategies for Métis people in Alberta and in addressing the increasingly acute labour market shortages in many sectors of our economy across the province |
