Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island - Running a business is never an easy task. There are a number of pitfalls to avoid. Having the right tools to navigate through those obstacles is imperative for long-term success. Recently these issues and many more were addressed to employers and employees from the Aboriginal community during the Business Skills Workshop - 'Developing Tomorrow's Workforce Today.'
The event, sponsored by the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island, Canada Business Prince Edward Island and PEI Business Development Inc., gave invitees an opportunity to attend a number of lectures, with each focusing on equally important aspects of operating a successful enterprise.
"The Government of Canada is committed to fostering economic growth in the Aboriginal community," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "As managing partner of Canada Business Prince Edward Island, ACOA is helping Canada's government deliver on its commitment to increase opportunity and improve the quality of life for all Canadians, including First Nations' businesses."
The three separate portions of the day-long workshop focused on valuing customer service, career integrity and team building. The guest speakers, Bill Martin, Gray Poehnell and Gordon McNeilly, highlighted how these three factors are essential for success.
"As our communities continue to grow, we must continue to work with our partners to ensure skills are developed and opportunities sought that allow our community members to succeed," said Chief Darlene Bernard of the Lennox Island First Nation. "Seminars such as this provide the foundation for a strong First Nations economy." The Mi'kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island is the tribal council for First Nations Governments in Abegweit and Lennox Island. The Abegweit band consists of an on- reserve population of 169, with another 123 off-reserve registered members, while Lennox Island has 357 band members living on reserve and 401 living off reserve.
Canada Business Prince Edward Island is a full-service business information resource accessible province-wide and free-of-charge. It represents a partnership of approximately 40 federal departments and agencies and 10 provincial departments. ACOA is the managing partner.
INFORMATION:
Heath MacVittie
ACOA PEI & Tourism
902 566-8340
Dennis King
Mi'kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island
902 367-3660