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INFRASTRUCTURE EXPANSION ENABLES FURTHER DEVELOPMENT FOR MILLBROOK FIRST NATION

TRURO, NOVA SCOTIA (November 20, 2003) - The Honourable Robert Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, also speaking on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), joined by the Honourable Robert Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and Chief Lawrence Paul of the Millbrook First Nation, announced today Government of Canada contributions of $4.5 million to assist the Millbrook First Nation with four economic development projects.

Funding for these projects was provided through the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Economic Development Regional Partnership Fund, through Marshall funding which is designed to build a more diversified Aboriginal economy on the east coast, and through ACOA's Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF) and Business Development Program (BPD).

"Millbrook First Nation continues to demonstrate it is a forward thinking community," said Minister Nault. "Canada's contribution to these initiatives will assist with the future sustainable growth of the First Nation and surrounding communities to the benefit of all citizens in this region. The private and public sector economy building partnerships Millbrook continues to promote will also prove to be of lasting benefit."

"We are pleased to partner with Millbrook First Nation as it develops its economic assets," said Minister Thibault. "It is very encouraging to see a rural community building for a future of self-sufficiency that embraces technology, sustainability, and increased employment opportunities."

"We have had tremendous cooperation from the federal government, through the Honourable Robert Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, in the field of economic development. I commend the Minister for his vision of going forward toward the road to self-sufficiency by way of economic development and free enterprise." said Chief Lawrence Paul, "I believe this is how we must proceed."

"When it comes to First Nations economic development in Atlantic Canada, Millbrook is leading the way and setting an example for other First Nations. We must not be afraid to lead the way in free enterprise." the Chief went on to say, "With our own Native people and other resource people we have put in place, we are prepared to enter free enterprise. In order to make this a reality, the cooperation of federal, provincial and municipal governments is necessary." "It is a great feeling for me, our band economic development committee, our community and resource people to know that we have created employment and a better standard of living, not only our own people, but for the non-Native population as well."

One of the investments by INAC. Under this initiative was $1.6 million to assist the First Nation with the development of road, sewer and water infrastructure at the existing Truro Power Centre on the Millbrook #27 Reserve near Truro, Nova Scotia. This development will see the creation of three new streets and a water reservoir, extension of the water main servicing the Power Centre, and development of the Power Centre sewage system. These developments will enable the Power Centre to service new commercial and light industrial development and provides improved fire safety. The project is expected to be completed by December 2003. Approximately 20 part-time positions will be created during the infrastructure development.

The second project INAC provided funding for was an additional $2 million in funding to assist with the construction and operation of an efficient and sustainable aquaculture and horticulture facility on the Millbrook Reserve. The facility is a land based operation capable of producing approximately 100 metric tones of Arctic Char annually. The facility is expected to open by October 2003 with a potential to create ten positions.

ACOA is providing $475,000 under BDP to implement training and employment programs in support of Millbrook's economic development activities. Specific needs identified include training for Millbrook residents who will be employed at the new Arctic Char facility. ACOA is also providing $450,000 to build a 28,000 square foot stand-alone facility that will house the customer IT services of new companies locating to the area. The project will include parking, landscaping, water and sewage, and electrical connections.

Millbrook First Nation is located eight kilometers east of Truro and has an on-reserve population of 670 people and an additional 562 off-reserve members.

For further information, contact:

Chief Lawrence Paul
Millbrook First Nation
(902) 897-9199

Patricia Ellis - INAC
Communications Officer
(902) 661-6232

David Harrigan - ACOA
Media Relations Officer
(902) 426-4238

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