2-02413

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA HELPS IN ENSURING FUTURE OF ONTARIO FIRST NATIONS YOUTH

TORONTO, ONTARIO (October 22, 2003) - On behalf of the Government of Canada, the Honourable Robert D. Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, is pleased to announce a contribution of approximately $834,000 for National Child Benefit (NCB) programming in eight Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI) First Nations and five other Ontario First Nation communities.

Minister Nault said that the Government of Canada is committed to working in partnership with First Nations, the provinces and territories to improve their quality of life and lay the foundation for strong, sustainable economies and healthy communities. "We are pleased to support the many initiatives that First Nations are undertaking to enhance the well-being of their youth," he said.

The investment of $833,932 will benefit the communities through programs such as Child Nutrition, Employment Opportunities and Training, and Community Enrichment.

In 2002-2003, through the reinvestment component of the National Child Benefit, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada has provided $8,118,090 to Ontario First Nations to invest in initiatives designed to enhance the lives of their children and families.

(Please see attached backgrounders for a list of First Nation projects and funding, as well as an explanation of how the program works.)

For more information, please contact:

Susan Bertrand, Senior Information Officer
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(807) 624-1531

Backgrounder - First Nation Allocations and Initiatives Under National Child Benefit Reinvestment Program

Backgrounder - National Child Benefit

Back to News Release Index