TORONTO, July 8, 2013 /CNW/ - 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.
The information in this press release includes certain
forward-looking statements which are subject to risks and
uncertainties. In addition to events beyond Aecon's control,
there are factors which could cause actual or future results,
performance or achievements to differ materially from those
expressed or inferred herein including, but not limited to: the
timing of the project, unanticipated costs and expenses, general
market and industry conditions and operational and reputational
risks, including large project risk and contractual factors.
Readers are referred to the specific risk factors relating to and
affecting Aecon's business and operations as filed by Aecon
pursuant to applicable securities laws. Except as required by
applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only
as of the date on which they are made and Aecon undertakes no
obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking
statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise.
SOURCE Aecon Group Inc.