Pathways program replaced

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The federal government has signed framework agreements with three national Native organizations to establish guidelines for the delivery of human resources programs and services by and for the Aboriginal people.

The three-year agreements, which come into effect April 1, replace the Pathways to Success federal job training program that expires March 31 with community-based job training.

Minister of Human Resources Development Lloyd Axworthy and Secretary of State for Training and Youth, Ethel Blondin-Andrew announced Jan. 23 that they had signed national framework agreements with the Assembly of First Nations, the Metis National Council and the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada to give Aboriginal groups more say in designing and delivering job training programs in accordance with their labor market needs.

Human Resources Development Canada will contribute $200 million each year of the agreement. Beyond three years, "HRDC will work closely with Aboriginal organizations to ensure consistency with provinces in the field of training," a news release from HRDC states.

The principles cover issues such as equitable access, women's issues, inclusion of all individuals who qualify, adherence to community and financial accountability, and appeal procedures. Along with the increased autonomy over training strategies, groups will have to clearly show they have provided programs for which they have received funds and that the programs have resulted in their people obtaining work.