Investment of over $32M for the Cree School Board

News Release

November 25, 2016 – Mistissini, QC – Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Quality learning environments are essential for supporting better educational and economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples. Investing in a new adult general education and vocational training centre in Mistissini will make a significant difference in the community and for the north of Quebec.

Joël Lightbound, Member of Parliament for Louis-Hébert, on behalf of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, and Geoffrey Kelley, Minister responsible for Native Affairs for the Government of Québec, on behalf of Sébastien Proulx, Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports, Minister of Families and Minister responsible for the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine region, along with Jean Boucher, Member for Ungava for the Government of Québec, today announced an investment of over $32 million for the Cree School Board that will be used to build an adult general education and vocational training centre as well as 40 residential units for school board employees.

Quotes

"The development of basic public infrastructure is an important asset for Indigenous communities. The construction of an adult general education and vocational training centre in Mistissini, in a partnership between Canada, the Government of Québec and the Cree, is a prime example of the type of infrastructure that will help the Cree community of Mistissini support its education efforts. The funding allocated by Canada for this project is part of the implementation of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement and encourages investment and economic development on Indigenous lands."
Joël Lightbound,
Member of Parliament for Louis-Hébert

"The education of indigenous youth is a priority for the Government of Quebec. It is important to us that young people from First Nation and Inuit communities have access to education services that meet their specific needs and are consistent with their realities, in order to allow them to develop their enormous potential. Today, as a result of our announcement of investments for the Cree School Board, we are increasing their chances of building a future that meets their aspirations, so that they can contribute most effectively to the development of their communities."
Geoffrey Kelley,
Minister responsible for Native Affairs for the Government of Quebec

"The announcement of these two major projects is very good news for the Nord du Québec region. I am pleased to see how sensitive our government is to the challenges in this region. This will allow students to continue to benefit from a quality education and a variety of interesting career choices in the region."
Jean Boucher,
Member for Ungava Government of Québec

"Providing students with quality training that meets the demands of the labour market, particularly in the vocational and technical sectors, is a priority for our government. Our businesses need a skilled workforce, and it is essential that adequate facilities are in place so that our students can develop in an environment that is conducive to their learning."
Sébastien Proulx,
Quebec Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports

Quick facts

These two investments announced today will be funded jointly by the governments of Canada (75%) and Québec (25%), as set out in the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. More specifically, Quebec’s share will be funded through Quebec’s 2016-2026 infrastructure plan under the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur.
The construction of the adult general education and vocational training centre in Mistissini is estimated at $16,712,424. The Government of Canada will provide $12,534,318, while the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur will contribute $4,178,106.
This new training centre will help the Cree School Board provide quality education in a stimulating environment suited to student learning.
To ensure that the Cree School Board has sufficient accommodations to house its employees, 40 residential units will also be built. For this project, $11,560,500 in funding will come from the federal government and $3,853,500 will come from the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur.

For more information, the media may contact:

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

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

Marie B. Deschamps
Press Secretary to the Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports and Minister of Families
418-644-0664

Chantal Gauvin
Press Secretary to Minister of the Secrétariat aux Affaires autochtones du Québec
418-643-3166

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Date modified:: 2016-11-25