October 16, 2001

Conservation Minister Oscar Lathlin, speaking at the Aboriginal Employees Conference this morning, announced his department’s Aboriginal Employment Strategy, a partnership with Aboriginal communities to develop employment opportunities within the department.

"Manitoba Conservation is committed to actively recruiting Aboriginal people for positions at all levels within the department," said Lathlin. "To achieve this goal, the department has committed resources and an employment co-ordinator to recruit Aboriginal applicants."

The minister noted that the government is committed to an employment equity policy intended to remove discriminatory barriers and ensure equality of treatment within the civil service, with an overall Aboriginal employment goal of 10 per cent over the next several years.

The co-ordinator will initiate contacts within Aboriginal communities and work with existing Aboriginal employees to complete personal vocational assessments and assist them to pursue career development strategies.

In addition, a series of Aboriginal cultural awareness workshops will be provided and efforts to revitalize community outreach plans are underway by creating partnerships and community liaisons.

"We have made progress in the placement of Aboriginal employees in the department, increasing the number from .09 per cent in 1985 to four per cent a year ago, but we need to do more," said Lathlin. "The Aboriginal Employment Strategy will help us bring more of the creative energy, experience and perspective of Aboriginal people to our department."

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