e-Bulletin, Issue 3 - March 2010

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News

Speech from the Throne

On March 3rd, Her Excellency the Governor General Michaëlle Jean presented the Speech from the Throne, opening the Third Session of the 40th Parliament. Read the Speech  .

Canada's Budget

On March 4th, Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty tabled Canada's 2010 Budget. As with all Canadians, Aboriginal people will benefit from the many measures in Budget 2010 to support jobs and economic growth and to sustain Canada's advantage now and into the future. Budget 2010 provides more than $900 million over the next two years to assist Aboriginal Canadians and their communities. Visit the Budget website  .

Tripartite Education in Alberta

On February 24th, the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta and the Assembly of Treaty Chiefs in Alberta announced the signing of an historic memorandum of understanding on education that provides a common vision for strengthening learning and educational success for First Nation learners.

Site Visits Resume for the National Assessment of First Nations Water and Wastewater Systems

The National Assessment will provide valuable information to help the government, together with First Nations, identify the water and wastewater needs for 607 First Nations across the country. Approximately 264 site visits were conducted in 2009 and the remainder will take place beginning in March 2010.  Read About the National Assessment.

Unprecedented Aboriginal Participation: Vancouver 2010

The 2010 Olympic Winter Games have left many stories of achievement. In sport, culture, entertainment and hospitality, Canada took centre stage. A special section of the INAC website highlights these achievements, which were realized in partnership with the Government of Canada to ensure that the 2010 Games would leave a legacy of economic and social benefits for Aboriginal peoples across Canada.

Launch of First Nation Profiles Interactive Map

INAC has launched a new user-friendly tool to make it easier to find existing information about First Nation communities. It's an interactive web map that allows visitors to easily view and access data such as a community's name, location, electoral system and level of federal funding.

Appointments

On February 11th, Minister Strahl appointed Peter Kusugak as a member on the Nunavut Wildlife Management board. Read the News Release.



Regional Focus: Ontario

In each issue of the e-Bulletin, a different region will be highlighted in the Regional Focus section.

Webequie Megawatt Diesel Generating Station

On February 25th, MP Greg Rickford, on behalf of Minister Strahl, announced that the Webequie First Nation awarded the contract for its new 1.0 megawatt diesel generating station. The Government of Canada invested approximately $16.4 million in core capital funding for the facility. Read the News Release.

Investing in Education: Funding for New Schools

Wabaseemoong First Nation
In October 2009, with funding from Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Wabaseemoong First Nation celebrated the beginning of construction of its new $25 million Kindergarten to Grade 12 school. The Mizhakiiwetung Memorial School will accommodate 460 students. Read the News Release.

Lac Seul and Cat Lake First Nations
In July 2009, INAC announced that funding from the Government's Building Canada Plan would help build new Kindergarten to Grade 8 schools at Lac Seul and Cat Lake First Nations. The Lac Seul school will accommodate approximately 112 students. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2009-2010 and to be completed in February 2011. The Cat Lake school will accommodate approximately 138 students. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2011 and to be completed by September 2012. Read the News Release.

North Spirit Lake First Nation
On February 26th, the Department announced that the North Spirit Lake First Nation awarded the contract for its new school, a project made possible through Canada's Economic Action Plan. This new Kindergarten to Grade 9 facility will accommodate 90 students. Read the News Release.

Supporting Communities and Infrastructure: Lac Seul First Nation's New Causeway

In September 2009, Lac Seul First Nation celebrated the grand opening of its new 600 metre causeway, a vital transportation link between the First Nation's three reserves. It will also improve year-round accessibility for the communities of Frenchmen's Head, Kejick Bay and Whitefish Bay. INAC provided $3 million towards the $4.5 million project through the proposal-based First Nation Infrastructure Funds program. Read the News Release.

The Source of Life: New Water Treatment Plant at Kingfisher Lake First Nation

In September 2009, the Kingfisher Lake First Nation celebrated the grand opening of its new water treatment plant. INAC was pleased to partner with the First Nation by providing $8.3 million for the new plant. Read the News Release.

Supporting Communities: 93 Ontario First Nations Benefit from Strong Investment in Firefighting

In September 2009, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada invested $3.1 million in funding for the purchase of fire trucks, firefighting equipment and training for 93 Ontario First Nations.  Read the News Release.



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