First Nations group focuses on job demand – The Chronicle Herald

June 17, 2015

With Canada’s baby boomers getting set to retire and the growth of a number of industries requiring skilled workers, a major shift in the labour force is on the horizon. One group is trying to make sure Canada’s aboriginal communities are at the forefront.

According to the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, roughly 317,000 new skilled workers will be needed in Canada by 2017 to replace retirees and meet new demand. Construction on energy projects will be a major part of that need.

One of the mandates of the council is bridging the gap between the trades sector and aboriginal communities. The organization is hosting a luncheon in Halifax on Thursday called “Trades perspective: A look at the road ahead to bolster aboriginal participation” to facilitate building mutually beneficial relationships between corporate Canada and aboriginal communities.

The keynote speaker is Christopher Smillie, senior adviser of government relations and public affairs with Canada’s Building Trades Union. Smillie is slated to discuss issues like how to engage aboriginal communities to participate in the trades; recruitment, hiring and training of aboriginal people looking to enter the construction workforce; and retention plans within the trades sector.

Read More: http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/1293723-first-nations-group-focuses-on-job-demand