The Labour Market Development (LMD) Unit was formed by Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) in 1999 and was given the mandate to design and deliver labour market programs for non-Settlement Métis in fulfillment of the Métis Human Resources Development Agreement (MHRDA). The MNA/MHRDA funded by the Government of Canada is one of the largest in the country in terms of scope and funding, extending throughout the entire province of Alberta.

The LMD unit provides labour market Programming through a centralized financial structure and decentralized model of service delivery. LMD Head Office provides technical and logistical support for Regional Managers, who are responsible for tailoring services to meet the need of clients at the community level.

The LMD Vision is "A Skilled Métis Labour Force"

The LMD Mission "Métis clients will achieve self-sufficiency through training and employment"

Since 1999 the LMD unit has participated in all Government of Canada national evaluations held by independent consultants. Findings emerging from those evaluations indicate the MNA LMD program is at the forefront of human resource programming in Canada.

Similarly the national evaluation on disability programs, which involved clients, service providers and LMD staff, determined that the MNA LMD disability program was a national “best practice.”

Strategic Initiatives

The LMD program enters into a wide variety of strategic initiatives and partnership arrangements every year. Here are some current highlights.

Community Consultations

LMD will conduct an extensive community consultation within 14 communities across Alberta in the fall to solicit community input into the development of benchmarks, goals and strategies for the 2010-2014 Strategic Business Plan.

KETO Client Data Services Inc.

In 2006 the LMD program engaged in the development of new client data system to up-load information to HRSD on client interventions. The program has consistently produced error-free data uploads for the entire fiscal year greatly improving our accountability reporting. During 2007-2008 KETO was extended to four other AHRDA holders geographically ranging from Inuvik to Ontario.

Métis Center of Excellence

The LMD unit signed an MOU with the University of Alberta on behalf of the MNA to examine the possibility of collaboration to establish a Métis Center of Excellence that is affiliated with the U of A. Discussion is on-going.

Métis Bursary and Awards Program

The LMD unit is seeking to develop an endowment agreement on a matching basis with Alberta Post Secondary Institutions that have a high enrolment of Metis students. Current endowment arrangements exist with Grant MacEwan College, Norquest College the University of Alberta.

Essential Skills Initiative

The LMD unit in partnership with Norquest College is working on an Essential Skills Initiative which will provide training in the nine essential skills that enable to people to succeed in the workplace.