Canada Supports Nishnawbe Aski Nation's Amber's Fire Safety Campaign

News Release

October 26, 2016 – Ottawa, ON – Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

The health and safety of all Canadians is a priority for the Government of Canada. This includes supporting fire protection and prevention in First Nation communities.

Today the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, and the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister for Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, announced support for Nishnawbe Aski Nation’s (NAN’s) Amber’s Fire Safety Campaign, which focuses on fire prevention education and awareness for NAN member communities. 

Amber's Fire Safety Campaign was launched by NAN last May following a March 2016 house fire at Pikangikum First Nation that took the lives of nine members of one family.  The youngest victim, Amber, was five months old and the campaign is named in her memory.

Quotes

“Fire prevention and protection are essential services that can make a difference between life and death. Investing in First Nation-led programs such as Amber’s Fire Safety Campaign can keep families safe and help prevent tragic fires from happening in the future. Our government thanks NAN and Grand Chief Fiddler for their leadership in launching this campaign.”

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.,
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

“We are proud to partner with the Nishnawbe Aski Nation to support the Amber’s Fire Safety Campaign. Increasing fire safety awareness and education is crucial to saving lives and homes in First Nation communities.”

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.,
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

NAN welcomes the Government of Canada’s partnership and investment in Amber’s Fire Safety Campaign. It is these partnerships that will assist us in our goal of increasing fire safety and preventing tragic house fires that are claiming lives in NAN First Nation communities.”

Alvin Fiddler,
NAN Grand Chief

Quick facts

  • Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) contributed $148,150 in support of NAN’s Amber’s Fire Safety Campaign.
  • In 2016-2017, INAC will provide Ontario First Nations with $2.3 million for fire protection operations and maintenance, and $1,989,503 for fire protection training.

Associated links

For more information, media may contact:

Sabrina Williams
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
613-697-8316

Émilie Gauduchon
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
819-654-5546
Emilie.Gauduchon@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160

Wilbur McLean
Press Secretary
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
416-218-3331
wmclean@cmhc-schl.gc.ca


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