May 27, 2019
Pimicikamak Cree Nation Community Receives Employment Training for Mining Sector
– – –Building the Skills, Knowledge and Talent To Grow our Economy: Pallister
FLIN FLON—A new initiative is delivering industry-specific training to 12 Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake) community members interested in employment opportunities in the mining sector, Premier Brian Pallister announced here today.
“We are working in partnership to develop the next generation of workers in northern Manitoba’s resource economy,” said Pallister. “Our Look North strategy identifies the need for stronger connections between local industry and the community through educational opportunities. This training also supports a key priority of Manitoba’s Economic Growth Action Plan in ensuring we have the right skills, knowledge and talent to support a thriving economy.”
The premier noted the training prepares community members for employment opportunities with Hudbay Minerals in Snow Lake. It began in February and is scheduled to be completed in November, he said.
“Hudbay is pleased with the success we’ve had through working with the Pimicikamak Cree Nation,” said Robert Assabgui, vice-president of Hudbay’s Manitoba business unit. “Our goal is to fill the jobs at our operations with people from our northern communities and this hiring program is a great first step in achieving this goal. We look forward to welcoming our 12 new employees from Pimicikamak.”
The Northern Manitoba Sector Council is administering the training in partnership with Workplace Education Manitoba and University College of the North (UCN). The curriculum includes mining training from UCN and on-the-job training and mentorship with Hudbay Minerals.
“Working at the interface between industry, community and education is what the UCN’s Northern Manitoba Mining Academy does,” said Rob Penner, associate vice-president, community and industry solutions, UCN. “This project is a great example of how each of these groups had a critical piece to play in ensuring the success of a project that, ultimately, leads to northern people filling northern jobs.”
Manitoba is providing nearly $87,000 for the training, with further in-kind support from Hudbay Minerals and Pimicikamak Cree Nation.
“This project developed key northern partnerships with the Cross Lake Band, Hudbay, the province, Workplace Education Manitoba and the Northern Manitoba Mining Academy,” said Jamie Grant, executive director, Northern Manitoba Sector Council. “This project represents a perfect example of northern partners delivering on the commitment of northern people for northern jobs.”
The premier added as part of the recently announced Economic Growth Action Plan, Manitoba is working collaboratively to grow local companies and industries, create jobs, attract talent and investment, and increase the economic competitiveness of the province. Learn more about the plan at manitobagrowth.ca.
The project also supports the Look North Report and Action Plan for Manitoba’s Northern Economy, which states the importance of fostering Indigenous engagement and strong partnerships between Indigenous communities, government and industry. More information on the Look North initiative is available at www.gov.mb.ca/looknorth/index.html.
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