August 22, 2026 Prince Albert, Saskatchewan Employment and Social Development Canada
A strong Canadian economy depends on giving everyone a fair chance to participate and succeed in the workforce. Indigenous-led employment and training services help make that possible by responding to community priorities and local labour market needs while removing barriers to participation and opening the door to opportunity. This kind of community-led investment creates jobs and strengthens the well-being of communities across the country for generations to come.
Today, the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced, on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, that Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) is an agreement holder under the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Program. The agreement enables PBCN to directly design and deliver employment and training services for its eight communities in Treaty 6 and Treaty 10 territories in northeastern Saskatchewan.
PBCN's agreement took effect on January 1, 2026, under the First Nations stream of the ISET Program. It gives PBCN direct responsibility for designing and delivering employment and training services that respond to the priorities of its citizens and communities.
The agreement reflects a shared commitment to Indigenous-led workforce development and gives PBCN greater authority over how employment and training services are delivered to its citizens. Through locally designed programming, PBCN can align services with community priorities, participant needs and employment opportunities in the region. Agreements like this one help build a stronger Canada, one where no community is left behind.
