Building stronger Indigenous communities by investing in key infrastructure assets

Press Release

From: FedNor

Government of Canada funding to help attract businesses, create employment, and contribute to economic growth in Northwestern Ontario’s Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation

April 15, 2019 – Dalles, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario – FedNor

Residents of the Indigenous community of Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation (formerly Dalles First Nation), located 30 kilometres north of Kenora, will benefit from increased business, economic development and training opportunities with a new multi-use facility to be located adjacent to its existing band office. The project is being made possible thanks to a FedNor investment of $1 million.

The funding was announced today by the Honourable Bob Nault, Member of Parliament for Kenora, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedNor.

The multi-purpose facility will feature dedicated economic and business development offices, as well as a training and conference centre. The building, which will be nearly 5,000 sq. ft., will provide training and development opportunities for the area’s Indigenous economic development officers. In addition, it will offer commercial space for new or expanding Indigenous agencies and businesses, help local residents develop workforce and life skills needed for long-term employment, and provide a venue for a variety of community meetings and conferences.

Quotes

“Our government is laying the foundation for Canadians to become more competitive and succeed in the global economy. Today’s investment in the Niisaachewan Anishinabe Nation is building on our competitive advantages by creating increased business opportunities to boost economic growth and create good, middle-class jobs for Canadians.”

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor

“Today’s funding supports key community infrastructure that will help attract business, create employment, and contribute to the growth of the Northwestern Ontario economy. I am proud that our government is living up to its promise of building stronger communities by investing in priority projects that improve the quality of life of Indigenous Canadian families, while helping to preserve, protect and promote our region’s Indigenous culture.”

– The Honourable Bob Nault, Member of Parliament for Kenora

“We are grateful that FedNor supports our community’s vision for economic development by supporting our multi-use centre. This facility will greatly enhance our capacity for economic development by helping us attract businesses, create jobs, provide quality training opportunities for our citizens, and enable us to host conferences and meetings.”

– Lorraine Cobiness, Chief of the Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation

Quick facts

• The Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario outlines the Government of Canada’s approach to ensure the region can fully benefit from the national Innovation and Skills Plan. It is focused on three key economic development areas: supporting innovation; growing companies; and building stronger communities.
• The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
• Budget 2019 proposes $4.5 billion over the next five years in new funding towards Indigenous peoples. It represents the next step in the ongoing path towards reconciliation and a better future for Indigenous peoples, Northerners and all Canadians, and builds on significant investments for Indigenous peoples of $16.8 billion provided in the last three budgets.

Associated links

• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca.
• Follow us on Twitter: @FedNor.
• Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA.

Contacts

Kim Fewchuk
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-971-4112
kim.fewchuk@canada.ca

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