LMDC 2009-2010 Annual Report

Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development Centre Annual Report 2009-2010 September 15, 2010 Prepared for the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development Council, Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government and Listuguj Mi’gmaq Community Members by the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development Centre

Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development Centre Annual Report 2009-2010 Page 1

Table of Contents

Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 2

Our Vision ........................................................................................................................................ 2

Our Mission ..................................................................................................................................... 2

We are committed to ........................................................................................................................ 2

Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development Centre Staff ................................................................................. 2

2009-2010 Activities ........................................................................................................................ 3

Local Programming ............................................................................................................... 4

Step-by-Step Transition Program ..................................................................................... 4

Summer Student Employment ......................................................................................... 4

Professional Training ....................................................................................................... 4

Construction Trades Exposition ....................................................................................... 5

Labour Market Information (LMI) Implementation Strategy .......................................... 6

General Education Development (GED) Preparatory Program ....................................... 6

Other Services

Disability Measures ............................................................................................................... 7

Documentation Centre ........................................................................................................... 7

Community Access Centre..................................................................................................... 7

Partners ............................................................................................................................................ 7

Funding ............................................................................................................................................ 8

Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................... 8

Attachment – Audited Financial Statement


2009-2010 Annual Report

Introduction The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development Council (LMDC) is pleased to present its annual report for the fiscal period 2009-2010 to the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government (LMG) and the community of Listuguj. The main objective of the annual report is to provide an accounting to Chief and Council and the community, of LMDC’s actions taken towards meeting its human resources development objectives and present the status of its operation as an organization.

Our Vision – What we are seeking Foundations for meaningful lives.

Our Mission – Reason for being Identifying and prioritizing employment and training opportunities by managing funding to support client needs and formatting into relevant programs.

We are committed to: Dedication to CLIENT SUCCESS in a professional and confidential environment; EFFECTIVENESS through goal oriented focus and consistency; A positive collabourating TEAM that values opinion and respect; and Fiscal responsibility and STEWARDSHIP of our resources.

Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development Centre Staff During the 2009/2010 fiscal year, the LMDC employed eight permanent staff members. The positions and its team members are: Custodian – Vivian Isaac Career Counsellor – Bella Moffat Program Officer – Myrna Isaac / Audrey Isaac Communication Technician/Instructor – Tina Girvan Educational Counsellor/Instructor – Judith Thibodeau Professional Training Coordinator – Jennifer LaBillois-Metallic / Myrna Isaac Administrative Assistant / Receptionist - Molly Bradstreet Director – Lorna Sook In November of 2009, the LMDC applied for and received funding for its Labour Market Information (LMI) Implementation Strategy. Funding was secured through Human Resources and Skills Development Canada's (HRSDC) Aboriginal Skills and Training Strategic Investment Fund (ASTSIF), in partnership with the First Nations Human Resources Development Commission of Quebec (FNHRDCQ).


Jennifer LaBillois-Metallic was transferred to the position of coordinator for the LMI Implementation Project, which ends March 2011. Myrna Isaac was transferred to the position of Professional Training Coordinator and Audrey Isaac was hired, on an Interim basis as Program Officer.

2009-2010 Activities During the 2009-2010 fiscal year, 254 Listuguj Mi’gmaq Clients participated in 288 employment and training measures; Labour Market Information (3), Professional Resources (1), Professional Training (105), Academic Up-grading (65), On-the-Job Training (15), Job Creation (98), and Self-Employment Assistance (1). Results indicate that 214 Clients completed their measure, 26 abandoned, 14 ended by mutual agreement and 34 are in progress. Further results indicate that 72 Clients are employed, 102 are not employed, 73 returned to school, 1 is self-employed and 6 started another measure.


In addition, the LMDC approved funding through the Urban Strategy for 9 Listuguj Mi'gmaq urban clients participating in 10 measures; Professional Training (7), Academic Upgrading (1), and Job Creation Initiatives (2). Results indicate that 6 completed their measure, 2 abandoned, 1 ended by mutual agreement and 1 is in progress. Of those that completed their measure, 5 are employed, 1 is not employed and 3 returned to school.

Local Programming Step-by-Step Transition Program

The LMDC has developed and implemented several programs to meet the needs of Listuguj and its members. During the fiscal year 2009-2010 the Step-by-Step program was completed in June 2009. The Step-by-Step Program registered 10 Clients in the fall of 2008. Three Clients were required to withdraw, of which 1 registered for the program in the fall of 2009. Seven successfully completed the program. Of the seven, five will be attending post-secondary education and the other two are employed. In the fall of 2009, 9 Clients registered for the Step-by-Step program. Summer Student Employment

During the summer of 2009 the LMDC coordinated the Environmental Community Organizers (ECO), Career Opportunities (COP) and Exploring Your Employability Skills (EYES) programs. These programs were available to Listuguj Mi’gmaq High School Students in the local area. During the summer of 2009, a total of 28 ECO students conducted research on forestry and aquatic habitats and completed self esteem workshops. In addition, 18 students participated in the COP program, completing job readiness workshops and entry level work placements. Finally, 1 student participated in the EYES program. In addition, funds are provided to local employers to employ recent high school graduates, college and university students, who are returning to school the following fall. This Summer Career Placement Program creates career related summer jobs. During the summer of 2009 the LMDC provided funding for 2 Listuguj Mi’gmaq students. Professional Training In collaboration with the Eastern Shores School Board, the LMDC assisted in the coordination of the Carpentry, Health Assistant and Nursing Care, and Accounting programs. On March 20th, 2010; 9 students graduated from the Carpentry Program. At present there are 14 students enrolled in the Health Assistant and Nursing Care Program and 7 students in the Accounting Program, all of which are expected to graduate in April and May 2010. In addition, the LMDC will be promoting workshops for Choice & Reality Therapy training, 1st Aid & CPR and Small Business for Entrepreneurs.


Construction Trades Exposition The goal of the LMDC is to provide Listuguj Mi’gmaq clients with programs and services aimed at guiding them towards independence with the establishment of education and career plans. The LMDC embarked on an innovative approach to meeting this goal by hosting a Construction Trades Exposition on May 21-22, 2009. To share the resources and information available to delegates, the LMDC also invited Mi’gmaq from Gesgapegiag, Eel River Bar and Pabineau First Nations to participate in this event. All 22 local First Nations Commissions from across Quebec were also extended an invitation. The goal was to encourage more of our community members and invited First Nation delegates to learn of the opportunities available to them within the construction trades industry. By bringing together the various stakeholders and resources, the LMDC set the stage for increasing the employability and training opportunities within the construction trades. The LMDC believes this event has contributed to closing the gap that exists between the employment rate of First Nation individuals and that of the general population of Quebec. The LMDC looks forward to further developing long term collaborative relationships with industry stakeholders who attended the event to meet future employment and training needs within the construction trades industry. Description of Outcome The LMDC Training center was a hub of activity over the course of the 2½ day event. Students, Youth, Parents and Community Members had an opportunity to walk through the ‘Exhibition Hall’ and meet stakeholders in the Construction Industry representing training institutions, sector councils, unions, major employers and other key stakeholders. Delegates took advantage of the opportunity to participate in the ‘hands-on’ demonstrations set up throughout the facility to explore firsthand what it would ‘feel’ like working in a particular trade. The event schedule was packed with informative and sometimes highly charged presentations by our visiting stakeholders. Because of the sheer number of presenters, we were pleased to see delegates return the second day to participate in a presentation that they missed during the first day of the event. The Exhibitors appreciated the opportunity to exchange information with the delegates and were kept busy by interest expressed by all who visited their booth or attended their respective presentations. As one Exhibitor stated, the Construction Trades Exposition was ‘without a doubt the best event we’ve ever participated in within an aboriginal community!’ Yet another commented ‘The highlight was to be able to connect with parents and youth, and to promote work in the skilled trades. We found that they were very interested and engaged. I also found my conversations with the community leaders to be very rewarding. Thank you very much for the opportunity!’ The total number of delegates in attendance was 258 of which 66 were high school students. The expositions consisted of 20 exhibits, 13 presentations, and 4 hands on demonstrations. Funding partners for the Construction Trades Exposition included; Commission de la construction du Quebec, CHRQ, Cartier Wind Energy Inc., Chitter Chatter, Natalie Normandeu. La Vice-Premiere ministre, Secretariat aux Autochtone, Mi'gmawei Mawiomi Secretariat, Emploi Quebec, Listuguj First Nation Education Committee and First Nations Human Resources Development Commission of Quebec.


Labour Market Information (LMI) Implementation Strategy In November 2009, the LMDC became the site for a new pilot project entitled, “Labour Market Information Implementation Strategy”, sponsored by the Aboriginal Skills and Training Strategic Investment Fund (ASTSIF). The objectives of this new venture are to develop and implement LMI and job placement services in Listuguj through partnerships with Service Canada, Emploi Quebec and the FNHRDCQ. Jennifer LaBillois-Metallic is the LMI Coordinator, responsible for the implementation of the project. Her job is to:

- create awareness of the benefits of LMI through training sessions and promotions; - produce an up-to-date resource of LMI information, and - create links to the labour market demand and supply.

The LMDC also contracted R2 Management Services as the LMI Specialist/Analyst to mentor and support the building of LMI expertise and the creation of LMI and job placement services. The Specialist is required to guide and oversee the development, and participate in the delivery of LMI training and awareness materials. To address the antiracism and promotional components of the project, Moonlight Communications was contracted. Felix Atencio is the Project Coordinator and is responsible to record all aspects of promotion and training to develop tutorial video clips for the website. He is also creating an overall biography of the project. Promotion of the initiative to the community was devised in the form of radio announcements and poster campaigns. In addition, presentations to promote the initiative were offered at various staff meetings and to local decision makers. Another important aspect of the project is to update the LMDC’s Labour force database. To realize this goal, Kristen Barnaby was hired in February as the Data Entry Clerk. Her job was to review the existing database and update client profiles. She was also to add new clients by surveying departmental staff and other community members. All Listuguj Mi’gmaq, aged 15 years & older were invited to submit their profile or have their current file updated. Six participants were the lucky recipients of prizes which were drawn monthly. In order to get the word out on LMI and to have a venue for the recorded tutorials, the LMDC had to develop a new website. Tenders were posted and a company from Montreal was awarded the contract. The LMDC staff have been working diligently on the website content since November. The new site will be unveiled in May. General Education Development (GED) Preparatory Program In collaboration with the LMG Social Assistance department, the LMDC hosted a GED Preparatory program to clients who have not yet received their high school diploma. The objective of the GED Preparatory Program is to enable participants to obtain certification. This will allow them to further their education and upgrade their skills in order to obtain and maintain meaningful employment. This year the GED Preparatory Program included Academic Assessments, Classroom Instruction, and Personal Development Workshops. In addition, LMDC's counselling and support services team was available for participants.


The program registered 24 participants of which 20 completed the training and wrote the exams. To date, of the 20, 7 successfully completed all 5 exams. Of the 7, 3 have applied for college/university for the fall of 2010; and 4 are interested in participating in the Step-by-Step Transition program. Further results are expected for the remaining 13 who will continue to prepare for and write exams. All have succeeded at varying levels (eg. passed 3 out of 5 tests).

Other Services

Disability Measures The LMDC is able to access additional dollars earmarked for clients with disabilities to participate in employment and training measures. During the 09/10 fiscal year, the LMDC sponsored 6 clients, of which 3 are still in progress, 2 were completed and 1 withdrew from the measure. Of the 2 who completed, 1 is employed and the other is unemployed. Documentation Centre The Documentation Centre is a collection of reference material on post secondary catalogues, personal & professional development materials and business management information. The Documentation Centre is accessible to community members and local residents of the surrounding area. The access centre is located in the documentation centre which allows access to computers during regular business hours.

Community Access Centre In the fall of 2001 LMDC became part of the Community Access Program which is a Government of Canada initiative, administered by Industry Canada. The Listuguj Community Access Centre aims to provide access to the Internet and skills needed to use it effectively, opening the community to the electronic information highway. The Access Centre provides initial training to become familiar with the Internet and computer applications.

Partners The delivery of LMDC’s programs would not have been made possible without the financial and in-kind contributions of the following:

Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government Listuguj Community Social Services Directorate Listuguj Health Directorate Listuguj Education Directorate Listuguj Social Assistance Centre Local d’Emploi Service Canada Centre d'Accès Communautaire (Industry Canada) Eastern Shores School Board Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council Mi'gmawei Mawiomi Secretariat


Funding Listuguj was allocated a total of $899,427 by the First Nations Human Resources Development Commission of Quebec through agreements signed with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and the Department of Indian Affairs (Includes $144,053 from LMI-ASTSIF project). Funds were expensed by measure as follows:

Administration of Measures 120,145 Labour Market Information 149,142 Professional Resources 263,594 Professional Training 162,060 General Academic Upgrading 41,909 On-the-Job Training 8,251 Job Creation Initiatives 143,306 Self-Employment Assistance 11,020 Total 899,427

Conclusion Through the presentation of this annual report, the LMDC has demonstrated positive results in meeting its human resources development objectives, given the limited budget as presented in the audited financial statement. The LMDC is a very structured, consistent and professional organization. It is these qualities that are strongly upheld by the LMDC team, which as a result, have allowed the Centre to grow into a formidable service provider, all the while ensuring measurable results of our clients.

Documents

LMDC 2009-2010 Annual Report