Program to train aboriginal railway conductors

The federal government will cover the tuition and living expenses of aboriginal students who are training to become railway conductors. The announcement was made in Winnipeg by the Assembly of First Nations and the Railway Association of Canada. The funding is part of a two-year, 75 (m) million-dollar program to train First Nations people at centres in Thunder Bay, Winnipeg and Vancouver. Seven project participants will be recruited as signals and communications maintainers, and up to 30 participants will be recruited for track workforce positions.