Toronto, Ontario — Natural Resources Canada - The best ideas for rural and remote Indigenous communities come from the people who live there. And the youth in these communities have the passion and creativity to drive the clean energy transition. That is why Canada is investing in opportunities for Indigenous youth to enhance their energy knowledge and technical skills, which will prepare them to lead the way to a clean energy future.
Parliamentary Secretary Paul Lefebvre, on behalf of Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today announced $400,000 in funding over six years for the Energizing Youth: Capacity and Skill-Building Program. The program will create pathways for interested youth to pursue employment in the clean energy field among 24 First Nation partners in Northern Ontario, 16 of which are remote, diesel-reliant First Nation communities.
The program will focus on teaching participants about the fundamentals of electricity transmission and distribution and provide them with job-shadowing opportunities and technical training. Its curriculum will incorporate traditional knowledge from participating communities and cross-cultural sharing.
Local education organizations will partner with Opiikapawiin Services LP, the Ontario Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, and Wataynikaneyap Power to develop and deliver program materials. The program graduates will be positioned to access employment opportunities in clean energy, including in support of the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project, and lead future diesel reduction initiatives within their communities.
The Energizing Youth: Capacity and Skill-Building Program is funded through the Clean Energy in Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program, part of Canada’s $180+ billion Investing in Canada infrastructure plan.
Source : Government Of Canada