2-02388

MAJOR CONTRIBUTION APPROVED FOR HOTEL AND CONVENTION CENTRE

NORTH BATTLEFORD, SASKATCHEWAN (Sept. 30, 2003) - The Honourable Robert D. Nault, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), announced today a $1.5-million contribution to help the First Nations of the Battlefords and area to construct a hotel and convention centre in North Battleford.

"The government of Canada is fulfilling its commitment to work in partnership on a wide range of initiatives to accelerate progress in First Nations economic development," said Minister Nault. "This project is another example of how our economic development initiatives are working towards fostering opportunities for economic development and long-term economic self sufficiency."

The federal contribution was approved through the INAC's Major Business Projects Program which funds up to a maximum 25 per cent of the total project cost.

"The socio-economic benefits of this project will be significant," said Chief Clarence Stone, speaking on behalf of the First Nations investors. "With economic development comes more job opportunities for Aboriginal youth and more facilities for tourists."

Strong support for the new Hotel and Convention Centre has been communicated to INAC by the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce, Battlefords Tourism Association and the City of North Battleford. The City has also invested in the development of infrastructure in the area and approved a five-year property tax holiday representing estimated savings of $350,000.

The hotel, tentatively called the Gold Eagle Lodge and Convention Centre, will be located on reserve land adjacent to the Gold Eagle Casino. The facility will have 121 hotel rooms and a 10,000-square-foot Conference and Convention facility.

In May 2000, INAC 's Economic Development Program funding was increased to $125 million. In Saskatchewan, about $12 million has been invested in more than 200 projects, creating over 800 full-time or part-time jobs for Aboriginal people. Every dollar invested has generated more than $4 in other forms of equity and debt financing.

For further information contact:

Trevor Sutter
Manager of Communications
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Saskatchewan Region
(306) 780-6429

Randy Wallace
Chief Executive Officer
Battlefords Tribal Council
(306) 445-1383

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