Elders, Grand Captain, Chief Paul, of course anyone who stays in office for nine terms deserves our sympathies. But also our admiration. Those of us in the world of service to our people will understand that the best. So I want to thank you for this invitation. On behalf of Mark Eyking and myself we're here to congratulate the Membertou First Nation on its latest achievements in this ISO regulation.

In the last few years, Membertou has become quite a success story. And I'm very pleased to see the good turnout this morning, in particular of the national media, to recognize the importance of what Membertou is doing and how they're leading the way for other First Nations across the country.

In fact, I look forward to visiting Membertou. I think this is my third visit to the community. Every time I come here there seems to be another success. Another project. Another opportunity for this community to move ahead.

There is good governance both in the band office and in the business community. There is community development like this community centre. There is vision like the proposed Mi'kmaq Heritage Centre, the Museum and Trail. There is hope and opportunity through partnerships with Canadian companies like Clearwater Fine Foods, Sinexo, and SNC Lavellin. And there is progress like today's announcement of the ISO 9000 regulation.

Clearly, Membertou First Nation is a leader among First Nations. Indeed Membertou is a leader among all nations. It's proof that once the fundamentals are in place-good governance, strong vision and a respect for the past-nothing can stand in your way.

There are a growing number of First Nations governments and businesses from across Canada who are taking notice. You know they're taking notice to a point where I'm starting to feel like I'm on Chief Paul's payroll. To some extent I've been here more often in this community than I think any other community in Canada. But I have to say except for my own in my own region of Ontario cause I'd get myself in a little bit of trouble.

ISO compliance, the international standard for some management practices, is a benchmark that many buyers, domestically and internationally, want to see when identifying key suppliers. In other words, when businesses see the ISO certification they know exactly what they're getting. And what they get is quality, reliability and excellent management.

When everyone knows what they're getting and standards are met and often exceeded, investors take notice. And when investors take notice, I think a lot in this community can show you what happens, better than what I can describe through words.

Across the country there are First Nation communities like Membertou. Aboriginal people are taking the bull by the horns. And creating their own opportunities. In fact, the growth rate of Aboriginal entrepreneurship is twice the Canadian average. There are now over 22,000 Aboriginal businesses across the country. Across Canada there are more than 25,000 First Nation university and college graduates providing the basis for a dynamic new business class.

The Government of Canada is pleased to help where we can. And we are honoured to learn what we can from First Nations such as Membertou. In fact, one year ago today, my government made an important commitment. The Governor General said increasing numbers of Aboriginal people are developing their businesses, their skills and competing in the new economy. The governments will work with Aboriginal people to help strengthen their entrepreneurial and business expertise.

That is why Indian and Northern Affairs Canada has increased our investments in economic development. We have made a $125 million annually available, up from 25 million just a few years ago. And I am pleased to report that First Nations have used that money to attract over 600 million dollars from private sector and other partners.

Successes like this community prove that our investment is a good one. So in closing I want to congratulate Membertou. It's well respected, Chief Paul. And its council. And of course, its management team, because no politician is good or capable or successful without a good team. That we all know. So I look forward to coming back to see more successes in this community. I think the most enjoyable part of any Minister of Indian Affair's job is to come and see a community as successful as Membertou and the partnerships that they have developed. So on behalf of my government, our member of Parliament here, Mark Eyking and myself it's an honour and congratulations. Thank you.

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