Trailblazing Forward: Métis Employment & Training at AGA 2024

 

The Manitoba Métis Federation's (MMF) Métis Employment & Training (MET) Department has long been a beacon of support and opportunity for Red River Métis Citizens. Presented at the 2024 MMF Annual General Assembly by Minister John Fleury, MMF Minister of Métis Employment & Training, the MET Department's 2023-2024 annual report highlights another year of success and growth.

KEY INITIATIVES & ACHIEVEMENTS

The MET Department is primarily funded through the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Agreement with Canada. As the administrator of this agreement on behalf of the MMF, the MET Department is responsible for delivering employment and training services to Red River Métis Citizens. The ISET Agreement is a 10-year labour market strategy aimed at helping Indigenous people enhance their skills and find employment. It has been crucial in assisting Red River Métis citizens in developing the necessary skills to thrive in today's fast-paced job market. Through its wide range of programs and services, MET actively supports the career development and economic independence of Red River Métis Citizens.

MET's initiatives are supported by comprehensive support services, ensuring every Red River Métis Citizen can be equipped with the tools for long-term labour market success, and MET's tailored programs and services are a testament to its innovative approaches. The past year was marked by several strategic initiatives and achievements, highlighting MET's progress through various tailored programs:

1. Occupational Skills Training and Project-Based Work Experience

   This includes funding and support to programs that ensure practical training opportunities aligned with labour market demands. MET's targeted and strategic approach helps its clients secure employment upon completion.

2. Partnerships & Collaboration

   Ongoing collaborations with private industry, government, non-profits, and community organizations helped bolster the MET Department's resource network. These partnerships are crucial for integrating comprehensive employment and training opportunities tailored for Red River Métis Citizens.

3. Summer Student Employment Program (SSEP)

   Partnering with employers across Manitoba, SSEP created summer job opportunities for Red River Métis Citizens in high school and post-secondary, allowing students to earn money while gaining valuable real-world work experience. In 2023-2024, this initiative supported 338 summer student positions with 136 employer partners, backed by a $3.31 million financial commitment, providing essential labour market entry points and nurturing early career development.

25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

This year marked the historic milestone of the 25th anniversary of the first Métis Human Resources Development Agreement (MHRDA 1) between the Manitoba Métis Federation and Canada, signed back in 1999. Celebrating this quarter-century of service gives us a moment to reflect on all the accomplishments and the foundation for future endeavors. Minister Fleury remarked, "Under President Chartrand's visionary leadership, and in my role as Minister of Métis Employment & Training, along with our dedicated Associate Minister, Joan Ledoux, and the MET team, we have transformed the lives of countless Red River Métis Citizens."

Since 1999, over 48,568 individuals have been directly impacted by MET's programs and services, with 16,168 gaining employment and 9,924 returning to school to enhance their career prospects. This strategic input into the educational and skills development of our community forms a core part of our mission to uplift every Red River Métis Citizen, preparing them for a successful future in a competitive job market. Minister Fleury emphasized that, "These figures encapsulate the positive impact that our department has had on the lives of the Red River Métis Citizens. They not only underscore our robust track record but also highlights our ongoing and growing commitment to continuous improvement and growth."

BUDGET AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES

For the fiscal year 2023-2024, the MET Department saw a budget allocation of $15.6 million under the Indigenous Skills Employment Training Program (ISET). These funds supported diverse programs and services including occupational skills training, project-based training, targeted wage subsidies, and robust support programs for student employment. Minister Fleury highlighted, "These investments are crucial. They empower us to offer essential resources and programs that effectively prepare our community members for current and future labour market challenges."

PARTNERSHIP STRATEGIES

The ability of the MET Department to cultivate and sustain effective partnerships with a wide variety of employers underscores a strategic advantage in broadening the scope of opportunities available to Red River Métis Citizens.

Minister Fleury said, "For over two decades, our collaborations with family-owned Red River Métis businesses and small to medium-sized enterprises have been pivotal in driving our economic advancement. These partnerships are the backbone of our success, attracting larger industry partners and creating opportunities in a wide range of sectors including trades, healthcare, education, security, and more. Through these vital collaborations, we are delivering valuable employment opportunities and the work experience necessary for securing long-term, sustainable, and well-paying careers."

These partnerships, some of which include Stanley Electric, Knutson Builders, Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority, and NRG Management, the MET Department has been instrumental in broadening opportunities across trades, healthcare, education, and security sectors. This collaborative spirit resonates with the department's ongoing mission: to not only meet the needs of today but to anticipate the demands of tomorrow.

2023-2024 IMPACT REPORT

In his address, Minister Fleury provided an overview of the MET's annual impact, emphasizing significant outputs through funded programs in 2023-2024. Proudly serving 2,345 clients, facilitated employment for 1,086 individuals, and supported 1,091 through funded programs, with 559 Citizens returning to school for further education and training, Minister Fleury said, "These achievements are far more than mere statistics; they embody our mission to uplift our Citizens, fostering economic independence, personal growth, and empowerment."

"Each data point represents a life improved, a career begun, or a future brightened. These accomplishments reaffirm the community-driven focus of our initiatives and our dedication to providing opportunities and resources that address the real needs of our Citizens. Additionally, these successes underscore our commitment to growing the economic capacity of our Red River Métis Nation, ensuring that our people can thrive in contemporary, competitive job markets," he continued.

CELEBRATING RED RIVER MÉTIS ACHIEVEMENTS (CRRMA) CONTEST

In 2023-2024, the MET Department also introduced the annual Celebrating Red River Métis Achievements Contest (CRRMA). First launched in Spring 2024, the inaugural CRRMA contest was open to Red River Métis Citizens who completed an eligible program funded by MET under the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Agreement between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, each approved entry received a $250 participation incentive, and three lucky recipients were randomly selected to receive an additional $500 bonus.

Minister Fleury described the contest as an innovation in engagement, stating, "By recognizing and celebrating the hard work and dedication of our Citizens, and showcasing the positive impacts our programs have on their lives, we can inspire others to pursue their career and education goals without hesitation."

Individuals like Sasha Smith, who navigated through financial struggles to earn her certificate in Early Childhood Education, Kiara Kerwin, who utilized MET programming to secure a leadership role in the construction industry, and Aiden Smolinski, whose MET journey led to full-time employment as an electrician apprentice, highlights just how the tailored support from MET can transform potential into tangible success.

Minister Fleury emphasized, "These stories are powerful testaments to the MET's mission and its effective implementation. They reflect our commitment not only to help our Citizens find jobs but to foster career fulfillment and sustainable livelihoods. We celebrate these achievements as they demonstrate the transformative power of dedication, support, and the right opportunities."

CONNECT WITH MET!

Recognizing the dynamic nature of the labor market and the continuous evolution in industry demands, Minister Fleury concluded the presentation with a commitment to ongoing innovation and adaptation in MET's approach. He expressed his gratitude to the entire team at MET and extended an invitation for more Red River Métis Citizens to engage with the department's programs.

"We will continue to adapt, innovate, and evolve to meet changing times and shifting labor market needs, and we invite all Red River Métis Citizens to join us in this journey toward economic prosperity," stated Minister Fleury. With robust plans for the upcoming year, including expanded partnerships and new program offerings, the MET Department is committed to building an even brighter future for the next generations of Red River Métis.

For more information about the wide range of programs and services offered by the Métis Employment & Training Department, visit our website at mmfemployment.ca or contact us directly at MET@mmf.mb.ca.

Our full annual 2024 AGA portfolio report and presentation slides can be accessed here

 

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