Abitibi gold miner Agnico Eagle Mines has pocketed $10 million from the the province’s Skills Development Fund to hire more locals to beef up its workforce.
"At Agnico Eagle, our goal is to hire 100 per cent of our workforce from the regions in which we operate,” said Andre Leite, the gold company’s Ontario vice president., in a Nov. 12 statement on the news of the funding announcement.
"The long-term success of the mining industry relies on developing the future workforce and Agnico Eagle is committed to be a leader in training, developing and employing the people of Northern Ontario for the long-term,” he said.
The funding is earmarked to train more than 150 workers for a year with the emphasis being placed on recruiting more Indigenous people and those under-represented in the sector. The company said there are high-demand jobs in the area of underground and surface miners, for trades apprenticeships, and engineers and geologists in training.
Those that sign up will get immediate full-time employment with Agnico Eagle with hands-on and experiential training being conducted at one its mining operations, offering an opportunity for long-term employment.
Recruitment and training is a big deal these days for one of Canada's largest miners. Toronto-based Agnico Eagle is in an expansion mode at mines in Detour Lake and Kirkland Lake, especially with gold prices surging.
The company needs to bolster its Ontario workforce, going so far as to attract workers north from its Mexican operations.
The news release said the key to landing this substantial amount of training dollars has to do with Agnico’s existing partnership with area First Nations.
"Our collaboration with Agnico Eagle Mines through the Skills Development Fund program heralds a crucial step towards realizing the aspirations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action #92,” said Taykwa Tagamou Nation Chief Bruce Archibald in the release.
“This initiative not only opens doors to education and employment for our people but also paves the way for enhancing our workforce's capabilities.”
Matachewan First Nation Chief Alex (Sonny) Batisse appreciates community members being exposed to the on-the-job learning aspects and the chance of landing coveted apprenticeship opportunities.
“It equips our Nation's members with essential skills for today's and tomorrow's job market, laying a solid foundation for stable, reliable employment. This program is a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in fostering a highly skilled workforce, ensuring our Nation is not just a participant, but a leader in our region's economic landscape."
Moose Cree First Nation Chief Peter Wesley said their partnership with Agnico Eagle “advances our Nation's priority of building a high-skilled and sustainable workforce.”
“By providing a unique and forward-looking approach to skills development, including both training and apprenticeships, we are empowering our Members with the tools and knowledge necessary in building success. Our partnership with Agnico Eagle continues to show how working together can grant positive benefits in setting the standard for future collaborations and paving the way towards a more inclusive and prosperous future."
Ontario mines minister George Pirie said the province’s contribution is a hefty amount.
“This is one of the largest amounts given to anyone one company through the Skills Development Fund. That it was given to the mining sector speaks to the importance that our government places on developing the workforce required to full the employment needs in this sector which is central to meeting our government’s economic goals,” said Pirie.
“This initiative not only connects workers to better jobs and better pay, but also builds a skilled workforce and creates sustainable livelihoods for Indigenous and Northern communities.”
