Toronto, ON – July 8, 2013: Aecon Group Inc. (TSX:ARE) announced today it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment & Training Services (KKETS), A Division of Matawa First Nations.
The agreement represents the beginning of a strategic partnership between Aecon and KKETS; starting with a joint commitment to expand training and development programs for First Nations in northern and remote areas surrounding Ontario’s Ring of Fire mining development.
Under the agreement, Aecon and KKETS will work collaboratively to develop “Remote Training Centres” to provide local access to community-based education, trades and apprenticeship training, operated by First Nations in a socially and culturally relevant environment. The Remote Training Centres take advantage of state of the art computerized technology systems and high-speed satellite broadband internet to connect communities.
“Our relationship with the Matawa First Nations and KKETS is an important component of Aecon’s strategic approach to community engagement and skilled labour development,” says Teri McKibbon, Aecon’s President and Chief Operating Officer. “Education and training is a priority for Aecon. Programs such as the Remote Training Centres are an innovative response to the future demand for labour in remote areas, and will make positive contributions to surrounding communities.”
“In the past, First Nations did not have the same participation in the labour market, but through the process of developing and maintaining relationships with key employers, potential employment opportunities have been recognized,” stated Morris Wapoose, KKETS’ Program Manager. “We want to thank Aecon for stepping forward and we look forward to building this positive relationship.”
Matawa First Nation Management (MFNM) is a non-profit corporation and Tribal Council that provides advisory services to its nine member First Nations of Eabametoong First Nation, Neskantaga First Nation, Marten Falls First Nation, Nibinamik First Nation, Webequie First Nations, Constance Lake First Nation, Aroland First Nation, Long Lake # 58 First Nation, and Ginoogaming First Nation. KKETS is the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy Provider for Matawa First Nations and is committed to delivering programs that meet the needs of employers and trainees for all Matawa First Nations.
Aecon Group Inc. is a Canadian leader in construction and infrastructure development providing integrated turnkey services to private and public sector clients. Aecon is pleased to be consistently recognized as one of the Best Employers in Canada.