FUNDING: Lack of funds forces closure of BC Aboriginal Mine Training Association

VANCOUVER - After two and a half years of supplying job-ready candidates to British Columbia's mining sector amid growing labour shortages, the British Columbia Aboriginal Mine Training Association is being forced to close after failing to secure ongoing funding for its operations.

BC AMTA will close its doors on June 15, despite being recognized by both government and industry for successfully connecting Aboriginal people to careers in BC's exploration and mining sector. "When BC AMTA began, our goal was to place 148 people in jobs. Through hard work and a passionate commitment to our mandate, we doubled that and today, more than 310 Aboriginal men and women have found sustainable employment through their participation in BC AMTA skills training programs," said Laurie Sterritt, BC AMTA's executive director.

BC AMTA was created by industry, government, educators and First Nations to help the mining sector meet its workforce needs as a labour shortage looms across Canada. The organization provides skills upgrading and training to Aboriginal people looking for employment in the mining sector, particularly at operations close to their communities.

Senior management will continue to search for new sources of funding until the end of July. Please visit BCAMTA.ca.