Keeping Our Commitment
Fostering Economic Development in First Nations
Notes for an address by
The Honourable Andy Scott, PC, MP
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development

Fort William First Nation, Ontario
August 17, 2004

Check against delivery

Ladies and gentlemen, today marks my thirtieth day as Canada's Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. A short time, admittedly. But I am determined in the days and months to come to work with First Nation leaders in every region of the country to forge new and stronger relationships. I am eager to meet with First Nations and Aboriginal entrepreneurs to celebrate their business successes. And I am intent on travelling widely to learn firsthand the challenges that face First Nations and the opportunities available to communities.

I am pleased that one of my first journeys as Minister has brought me here to Fort William First Nation. I would like to thank Elder Bannon for your prayer over these proceedings, Chief Collins, for hosting this event, and Ontario Regional Chief Fox for being with us today. I would also like to acknowledge my colleague from the riding of Thunder Bay-Rainy River, Ken Boshcoff.

As long as you have been here, the people of Fort William First Nation have built a thriving community. Over the course of countless generations, this First Nation has prospered. Fort William First Nation, like other First Nations, is a growing and dynamic community; its people are forward thinking, eager to create the kind of opportunities that improve social development and economic growth for their community and the region.

The federal government is a committed partner when it comes to generating these opportunities for First Nations. Earlier this year, in the Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada pledged to continue supporting greater economic development in communities such as Fort William First Nation.

Part of the reason I am here is to make good on this commitment. I am pleased to announce that the federal government will contribute more than $200,000 to support two Fort William First Nation economic development initiatives as well as to support the establishment of one Aboriginal business and the expansion of another.

First, through my department's Economic Development Opportunity Fund, the federal government is helping Pelletier's Powder Coating develop a dry-painting operation. Ninety-nine thousand dollars in equity funding is enabling the company—a specialist in applying decorative finishes to a variety of industrial goods — to use dry chemicals instead of liquid paints.

Second, $25,000 from the Opportunity Fund is going to support a new Aboriginal business. This new enterprise—Pro Rebar Inc.—will specialize in the reinforcement of concrete foundations and structures for a variety of construction projects.

Third, the Government of Canada, through a contribution from my department's Resource Access Negotiations program, will enable Fort William First Nation to carry out strategic planning and consensus building within the community as a first step toward attracting and developing business opportunities in sectors such as forestry and energy.

And fourth, additional funding via the Resource Access Negotiations program will be allocated to study the viability of opening a locally operated fish-processing plant.

The department's economic development programs assist First Nations in pursuing a variety of activities required to advance economic development in their communities. The Opportunity Fund specifically assists communities to establish businesses and expand successful enterprises by providing equity matching funds that enable entrepreneurs to access debt and equity capital. Through the Government of Canada's Resource Access Negotiations program, First Nations are positioned to participate in and benefit from resource development opportunities.

Our goal of seeing Aboriginal Canadians enjoying the same quality of life as non-Aboriginal Canadians enjoy requires more than just economic development support toward even the most successful initiatives. The Government of Canada is committed to seeing Aboriginal children get a better foundation in life, by obtaining an education and developing work-force skills. Working closely with our First Nation partners, these steps will lead to greater economic self-reliance and a better quality of life for all Aboriginal Canadians, now and in the future.

The economic activity resulting from the investments that have been announced today will have a measurable impact in Fort William First Nation, the region and the country. The success of your community will serve as an inspiration to other First Nations, who may then realize dreams of their own.

As a result of these and other partnership efforts between the Government of Canada and First Nations, we are closing the gap that exists between opportunities available to non-Aboriginal Canadians and those available to Aboriginal people. Here we see some examples of role models poised to lead future generations toward increased self-sufficiency and continuing to provide greater contributions to Ontario's and Canada's economies. Gathered here today are partners – Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal alike – eager to collaborate to ensure that these enterprises receive the backing they need to make the most of new economic opportunities.

I am convinced that Aboriginal entrepreneurship represents a tremendous opportunity for all Canadians. Indeed, a growing number of Aboriginal entrepreneurs—bursting with ideas, energy and confidence—are ready to make their mark on the business world and profoundly influence Canada's long-term prosperity.

That's why, as a representative of the Government of Canada, I am proud that we are a supportive partner of Aboriginal entrepreneurship and the economic development of First Nations. We are eager to assist Aboriginal entrepreneurs as they fulfill their dreams of prosperity. We will continue to work with our Aboriginal partners to strengthen economic opportunities and encourage economic self-reliance in First Nations.
Thank you.

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