Backgrounder - Funding to the Yukon Mine Training Association

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) has approved a total of $2,250,000 in funding to the Yukon Mine Training Association (YMTA). The funding was provided to purchase a portable mining equipment simulator as well as fund the development and modification of mining training programs.

The Yukon Mine Training Association

The Yukon Mine Training Association (YMTA) is a partnership between the Yukon's mining- and resource-related industries and First Nations. It is committed to working together to maximize employment opportunities emerging from the growth of the mining and related resource sectors in the North for First Nations and other Yukoners.

The YMTA was formed to develop mining-related skills within the Yukon workforce, especially among First Nations people living in smaller communities or rural areas that are closer to mineral development activities. Their goal is to maximize the benefits of mining for Yukon residents, businesses and governments, and ensure a supply of local skilled workers for mining projects.

The Yukon Mine Training Program was created in 2006-2007. The training program is intended to respond to the human resources needs of Yukon mining operations by training and developing a skilled local labour force.

The projects funded by CanNor will help increase the employability and skills training of Yukoners and First Nations people. The YMTA only trains people for known job vacancies, so participants enrolled in the training program have a high probability of employment upon graduation. The investments by CanNor will benefit rural communities with high unemployment rates where mining jobs are located.

Mine Equipment Simulator
CanNor funding: $1,500,000
Other funding: $225,000

CanNor funding will cover the purchase and installation of a mine equipment simulator in Yukon that will help train local residents with mine-related skills. The funding will cover costs to train people to use and support the simulator. An estimated 40 full-time employees can be trained each year, supporting long-term economic growth in Yukon. Two full time jobs in the Yukon will also be created to operate and maintain the simulator.

The mine simulator program has been used with success by others in the industry. The simulator can mimic individual mine sites providing greater opportunities for companies to tailor training to their specific site. The simulator is portable which increases training flexibility and the number of people who can be trained. The simulator can be brought directly into mining areas, training people in rural communities and saving time and money on travel.

Mine Training Program
CanNor funding: $750,000
Other funding: $2,502,656

The YMTA will also receive funding to develop and modify mining training programs in their Yukon Mine Training Program. This funding will support the YMTA's ongoing efforts to tailor training to the needs of the local mining industry with standardized training modules and instructors able to deliver training at the local level.

YMTA provides about 500 person-courses of training per year targeted to the existing needs of the industry, so that participants are able to access new or higher-skilled employment. This project is expected to help unemployed and underemployed workers upgrade their skills and find jobs.

This project targets rural Yukon and First Nations communities with high unemployment rates who reside close to mine sites. CanNor's investment of $750,000 represents 23% of total costs to the YMTA Mine Training Program.

Community Adjustment Fund (CAF)

Federal investment in this initiative is being provided through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF). Canada's Economic Action Plan provides $1 billion nationally over two years for the CAF to help create and maintain employment in communities affected by the global recession. Longer-term economic and environmental benefits are also considered. The CAF provides $32.8 million for the three territories until 2011.

The CAF is one of a suite of programs administered by the newly established Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor). CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering federal economic development activities in the territories, and for related policy development, research and advocacy.