SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN -- (Marketwire) -- 03/09/13 -- Men and women from underprivileged groups in Ukraine will gain access to skills training and improve their employment opportunities, thanks to a partnership between the Harper Government and the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST). Today, Member of Parliament Brad Trost (Saskatoon - Humboldt), on behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation, reaffirmed Canada's support for the Skills for Employment Project in Ukraine.

"The Harper Government is proud to partner with the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology to increase employment and skills training opportunities for students in Ukraine," said MP Trost. "Access to quality education and training are essential to building sustainable economic growth and prosperity, and building a future for Ukrainians. We will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine as they seek to build a nation founded on the values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law."

This investment will help the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology to improve the quality and effectiveness of business training programs in Ukraine by developing mutually-beneficial relationships among government, community organizations and the private sector. The project also aims to increase employment and skills training opportunities, especially for women and other socially unprivileged groups. This will benefit 14,000 students and 1,900 entrepreneurs in Ukraine over the course of the project.

"SIAST thanks Canada for supporting this project in Ukraine, which will enable the Institute to bring significant resources and expertise to international education partnerships," said Dr. Larry Rosia, President and CEO, SIAST. "We're essentially exporting our experience in developing employer-driven technical education."

The Harper Government is committed to equipping students in Ukraine with access to increased economic opportunities so that they are able to build a more sustainable and prosperous future. Canada has identified Ukraine as a priority country in the provision of development assistance, and continues to support its democratic development and sustainable economic growth to achieve greater freedom and prosperity for the Ukrainian people.

The SIAST project is being funded through CIDA's Partners for Development Program.

For more information, please visit CIDA's Partnerships with Canadians Programs.