LiUNA

tion as youth are the future builders of our growing economy." LiUNA International Vice President Joseph Mancinelli said at the time. Through this statement of partnership, Li- UNA has demonstrated its commitment to First Nations and to walking down the path of reconciliation, and represent a model for other organizations in Canada. Aboriginal youth have the fastest growing population in Canada (at 3 per cent national average), and with 50 per cent under age 25, there is a significant opportunity on all sides for long-term employment from a skilled workforce. The partnership is the culmination of years of work. Initialed in 2007, with Mancinelli and then former Assembly of First Nations Chief Phil Fontaine LiUNA made progress with more with the inclusion of Indigenous groups throughout Canada. “Since a lot of the work is coming out, we see this opportunity as win-win. Training young Aboriginal youth would be a real plus. A plus for us because we need to replenish the workforce, and a great op- portunity to provide jobs to a large, young population,” adds Villeneuve. www.liuna.ca AUGUST 2017 H business elite canada 9