2-02335

MANITOBA FIRST NATIONS CONGRATULATED ON A RECORD YEAR OF SUCCESSFUL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA (November 10, 2003) - The Honourable Robert D. Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, today announced a contribution of over $9.3 million from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) during fiscal year 2002-2003 for 65 economic development projects to directly benefit Manitoba First Nation communities.

"Increased economic development opportunities within First Nation communities are one of the keys to ensuring a prosperous future for all Canadians," said Minister Nault. "It promotes self-sufficiency and gives First Nations people, especially the youth, a much greater opportunity to take part in the Canadian economy."

Over the last fiscal year, economic development funding has been utilized for a variety of different types of projects including expansions to existing on-reserve businesses, the creation of new businesses, negotiations and feasibility studies and the construction of business-related infrastructure. Approximately 800 new employment opportunities were also generated.

INAC's Economic Development programs support cost sharing and encourage partnership building between the Government of Canada, First Nations, other levels of government, and the private sector. In fiscal year 2002-2003, funding provided by INAC helped to attract partnership investment into First Nation community projects that is not always readily available. Total project costs, including leveraging, equal $24.8 million.

Potential projects are assessed on a variety of criteria including direct benefits to the First Nations, economic feasibility, potential employment and economic spin-offs, environmental soundness and sustainability over the long-term.

"These projects are excellent examples of the kind of progress that can be achieved when First Nations, various levels of government and the private sector work together in partnership," said Minister Nault. "Collaboration is one of the cornerstones to ensuring long-term prosperity and economic growth. The benefits these partnerships generate have a positive affect on all Canadians, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal alike."

Economic Development funding for fiscal year 2003-2004 and beyond will be used to enhance the department's efforts to develop partnerships in a number of key areas, including:

• additional support for increased First Nations participation and benefits in major regional economic development initiatives;
  
• enhanced business development support;
  
• programs that assist First Nations capacity to negotiate benefits and participate in resource-based partnership opportunities such as the management of natural resources;
  
• innovative solutions to "access-to-capital" challenges faced by Aboriginal businesses; and
  
• building departmental capacity to design and deliver new and enhanced programs.

There are 62 First Nations in the Province of Manitoba.

A complete list of Economic Development projects funded in Manitoba during fiscal year 2002-2003, as well as detailed descriptions of Manitoba Region's Economic Development and Procurement Programs is available upon request.

For further information, please contact:

Gilbert Savard
Director of Communications and Executive Services
INAC - MB Region
(204) 983-6195

Fact Sheet: RPP

Fact Sheet: RPF

Fact Sheet: RAN

Fact Sheet: RAI

Fact Sheet: EDOF

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