News Release

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Ontario Government Sees Bright Future for Aboriginal Youth

Career Fair Will Ensure Success for Aboriginal Youth

OTTAWA – Increased success for Aboriginal young people is the aim of a series of career fairs that is being supported by the Ontario government in partnership with the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, Michael Bryant, Minister Responsible for Native Affairs said today.

"Success for students is a key priority for this government," said Bryant. "Career fairs share knowledge and help Aboriginal students capitalize on their strengths to build brighter futures."

The government is investing $25,000 in Blueprint for the Future, a series of career fairs for Aboriginal high school students designed to increase awareness of the range of employment opportunities available within the Canadian work force. Each year, about 1,500 students from across the host province attend approximately 100 workshops and/or seminars in the areas of health, medicine, business, sciences, technology, finance and manufacturing.

Seminar attendees receive practical information on career options, educational requirements and current and future employment trends. At the fair, students interact with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal business professionals and role models.

Ontario has had an ongoing partnership with National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation since 2000. Together they produce the annual Ontario Aboriginal Business Partnerships Award, and the province invests in the Ontario Aboriginal Partnerships Recognition Scholarship.

"The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation is to be congratulated on its commitment to excellence in student achievement and contributions to the economic health of the province and all of Canada," added Bryant.

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Contacts:

Greg Crone
Minister's Office
416-326-1785
 

Related link: Aboriginal Business Development Online

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