Celebrating the Past and Preparing for the Future
News Release
Strong community foundations support Membertou business success
June 2, 2017 – Membertou, N.S. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Committed leadership and strong business skills are critical elements contributing to Membertou, Nova Scotia’s growth and success. Over the course of more than two decades, the province’s only urban Indigenous community has benefited from sustained employment gains and diversified business opportunities thanks in large part to the work of Membertou Corporate Division. That is why the Government of Canada has invested a total of $953,300 during the past year to further develop the community’s growing potential.
The investments were announced today by the Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
These investments, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund and Business Development Program, supported technology enhancements at both the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre (MTCC) and the Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre. The investments helped with the purchase of a back-up diesel generator which will enable the MTCC to act as an emergency warming station during natural disasters, such as the flooding experienced in Cape Breton over the 2016 Thanksgiving weekend.
This funding also allowed Membertou to further develop its cultural tourism product through the creation of an exhibit chronicling the history of Membertou, from its birth as the Kings Road Reserve to the current community of Membertou.
Membertou has not only become a destination for visitors to Cape Breton, it has also become a significant economic driver for the local economy. The community is the third largest employer in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM). Since 2007, the community has donated more than $1.1 million to local charities.
Quotes
“Membertou is a shining example of an innovative community. It is recognized as a leader among its peers as well as the business world. Membertou’s willingness to explore and develop new opportunities has led to its successful involvement in a variety of local, national and international business sectors. The Government of Canada is pleased to have played a role in their success.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“Today’s announcements demonstrate the value of partnering with strong community groups to preserve and promote culturally significant traditions, while collaborating with our Indigenous communities as they prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow.”
- The Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria
“Working with ACOA has allowed us continue to build on our success over the past 15 years and to leverage other dollars from provincial and federal organizations. In turn this has supported us as we enter new industries and has created many employment opportunities for community members. We view ACOA as a true partner, especially when determining what projects to finance.”
- Terrance Paul, Chief of Membertou
Quick Facts
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In 2002, Membertou was the first Aboriginal government in the world to get the ISO 9001 certification.
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In 2014, Membertou Economic Development Corporation was named the inaugural winner of the Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) Award.
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca
Jenna Sampson
Director of Marketing and Media Relations
Membertou Corporate Division
Phone: 902-564-6466 ext 5024 / 902-577-0373 (cell)
Email: jenna.sampson@membertou.ca