Aboriginal Labour Market Programs

The Government of Canada is working to improve economic outcomes for Aboriginal people. Specific Aboriginal labour market programs are available to increase workforce participation and help First Nations, Métis and Inuit people prepare for, find, and maintain employment.

Aboriginal Agreement Holders deliver Aboriginal labour market programs through an extensive network of service points across Canada. The Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy (AHRDS) expired on March 31, 2010, providing the Government of Canada and Aboriginal Human Resources Development Agreement holders with a timely opportunity to modernize Aboriginal labour market programming.

The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) is the partnership and results-based successor strategy to the AHRDS, and is a key component of the Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development. ASETS is a five-year strategy that focuses on three priorities: supporting demand-driven skills development, fostering partnerships with the private sector and the provinces and territories, and placing emphasis on accountability and results.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan is creating more and better opportunities for Aboriginal workers through skills development and training. Support for Aboriginal labour market programs includes $100 million in additional funding for the Aboriginal Skills Employment Partnership (ASEP) and $75 million to create the Aboriginal Skills and Training Strategic Investment Fund (ASTSIF).