Government of Canada supports job creation project in Edmundston
News Release
June 21, 2014 – Madawaska Maliseet First Nation, NB. – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
As part of the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to improving economic development opportunities for Aboriginal people, the Government of Canada is investing in the next phase of the Grey Rocks Power Centre on the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation in New Brunswick. The funding will help with the development of a shopping mall.
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt was joined by Madawaska Chief Patricia Bernard today to announce an approval of up to $1,000,000 to assist with this next phase of the development. The First Nation is providing equity to this $6.5 million project, as well as securing commercial financing.
Quick facts
- AANDC funding is from the Community Opportunity Readiness Program, which provides project-based funding to First Nation and Inuit communities for a range of activities to support communities’ pursuit of economic opportunities and leverage private sector resources necessary to realize the full potential of these opportunities.
- The total cost of the project is estimated at $6.5 million.
- The Government of Canada contributed $3.5 million in 2010-2012 for site preparation, project management and engineering costs.
- Madawaska Maliseet First Nation is located near Edmundston, New Brunswick with an on reserve population of 143 and a total band membership of 275.
Quotes
“I am proud to be a part of a Government that supports projects that lead to economic benefits for the people of this region and strengthen Aboriginal entrepreneurship opportunities. Today’s announcement clearly demonstrates how a positive partnership between the Government of Canada and First Nations can lead to great results.”
– Honourable Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
“The Edmundston Chamber of Commerce is proud to see the investments made by the First Nations. We are also pleased to see them implicated in different organisations, such as our board of directors, to contribute and cooperate in the economic development of our region.”
– Daniel Thériault
Edmunston Chamber of Commerce
“It is a privilege to accept this significant contribution towards our First Nation community’s recent economic development project. The Madawaska Maliseet Economic Development Corporation did a great job with the application process and the federal support we receive is greatly appreciated and our partnership with the federal government will help us achieve our goals of eventually being completely self-sufficient. When we started the Grey Rock project, we knew that it would bring great prosperity to us and also to the whole Madawaska County region.”
– Chief Patricia Bernard
Madawaska Maliseet First Nation
Contacts
Andrea Richer
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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