supply with an ongoing demand for skilled
tradespeople. Among AABO’s key partners
are the Ontario-based Aboriginal Skills and
Employment Training Strategy Agreement
(ASETA) holders, who work with aboriginal
clients to prepare them for employment
and provide employers with a “ready-to-
work” labour force. ASETA holders are
spread out across Ontario, from the prov-
ince’s northern communities to the Greater
Toronto Area to the southwestern region,
and serve clients of First Nations, Métis
and Inuit heritage.
Aboriginal communities want to build true
partnerships with companies, particularly
those that are developing infrastructure
close to their communities. In many cas-
es, businesses want to employ First Na-
tions tradespeople but don’t know how
to take that step, said Ed Gilbert, Energy
Consultant with the Giiwedin Noodin First
Nation Energy Corporation. The corpora-
tion was formed to manage the concerns
of the First Nations side of the Grand
Bend Wind Farm located near the eastern
shore of Lake Huron. Continuing to build
relationships between economic develop-
ment, employment and training is the path
to success.
Matt Jamieson, President/CEO at Six Na-
16 business elite canada
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JANUARY 2016
