SEPTEMBER 2017
H
business elite canada 43
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.
