August 9, 2010
LPN Training Initiative for Aboriginal People to Strengthen Health Care in Northern, Rural Manitoba
Delivery of health care in northern and rural communities will be strengthened under a new initiative that will see $9.47 million invested to provide nurse training for Aboriginal people, Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson, announced today.
“Nurses are our partners in maintaining a quality public health system. LPNs bring great skill, knowledge and compassion to the front lines of health care. And having more LPNs providing supports to First Nations, Metis, northern and rural communities ensures there are caregivers to further improve health care for all Manitobans,” said Bjornson.
“This investment is a very positive step toward furthering the aspirations of our Métis citizens to deliver culturally appropriate health services in our various communities,” said David Chartrand, President of the Manitoba Métis Federation. “This is especially important in light of a recent study that identified the fact that Métis suffer from some of the highest chronic disease rates in the Province. While there is much more investment needed, we applaud the provincial and federal governments for this initiative and look forward to future progress for the benefit of not only our Métis citizens but for all Manitobans as well.”
“This is a significant step to help improve health services in northern Manitoba. Our organization represents tens of thousands of citizens in 30 First Nations, where we see the need for improved health care on the daily basis,” said Grand Chief David Harper-Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. “We are glad to see the two levels of government honouring treaty responsibilities and working with First Nations to make Manitoba better for all who live here.”
“This initiative will not only provide skilled professionals to the Manitoba’s health care system but more specifically to the aboriginal community, said Charles Blackbird of West Region Tribal Council and project coordinator for the First Peoples Development Inc. “In addition, the Aboriginal people through this partnership will have equal opportunity for meaningful employment within Manitoba's Health Care system.”
The governments of Manitoba and Canada are supporting four training projects that will deliver 18-month Licensed Practical Nurse training to Aboriginal participants in six rural and northern Manitoba communities. The project partners are the First Peoples Development Inc., Manitoba Métis Federation and the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak.
Manitoba’s contribution to this initiative totals $4 million and builds on the Province’s commitment to support opportunities for Aboriginal people to establish a greater presence in the rural and northern workforce. The initiative will provide skilled professional workers to the high-demand health sector in areas of the Province where recruitment remains a challenge and where substantial numbers of Aboriginal people choose to live and work.
Aboriginal Skills and Training Strategic Investment Fund projects support initiatives in various industries that test innovative ideas and approaches to delivering Aboriginal labour market programs.
There are 2,532 more nurses working in Manitoba today than in 1999, the minister noted. The number of nurse education seats has almost doubled in that time.
The province continues to build on the Manitoba Nursing Strategy, first introduced in March 2000. For more information on the province’s nursing strategy, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/nurses/strategy.html.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED
The Province of Manitoba is distributing this release on behalf of governments of Canada and Manitoba, the First Peoples Development Inc., Manitoba Métis Federation and the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak.
backgrounder
Fund Information - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2010/8/LPNsBG.ETT.DOC