Government of Canada congratulates Annapolis Valley First Nation on Webster Farms Acquisition

News release

December 1, 2018 - Annapolis Valley First Nation, Mi’kmaq Territory, NS- Indigenous Services Canada

The Government of Canada is proud to support economic development opportunities and growth in First Nation communities.

Today, the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, congratulated Chief Gerald Toney and Annapolis Valley First Nation on their acquisition of Webster Farms earlier this year.

Annapolis Valley First Nation successfully completed their first harvest season this fall after acquiring Webster Farms in March 2018. This business opportunity provides a new revenue stream for the First Nation and jobs for community members.

Located adjacent to the Annapolis Valley First Nation reserve, Webster Farms is a successful business specializing in strawberry, raspberry, dry bean, rhubarb and winter rye production. Webster Farms products are available at numerous produce and grocery outlets.

Indigenous Services Canada provided $1 million to support this business acquisition under the Community Opportunity Readiness Program.

Quotes

“Congratulations to Chief Gerald Toney and the Annapolis Valley First Nation on your acquisition of Webster Farms and the success of your first harvest season. The farms will help contribute to economic growth and provide new job opportunities for members. Our government is proud to partner with First Nations communities to help support economic prosperity across the country.”

The Honourable Jane Philpott, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services

“Annapolis Valley First Nation is committed to investing in our future with the purchase of Webster Farms. This investment will provide training and educational opportunities for our people. We would like to thank our Community, the Webster Family and the Government of Canada for their support as we move into our next chapter of growth and economic development.”

Chief Gerald B. Toney
Annapolis Valley First Nation

“Chief Gerald Toney and the Annapolis Valley First Nation are to be congratulated for making this exciting project happen which will add further economic stability to the First Nation while also maintaining jobs in the community at this long-time well known horticulture business.”

The Honourable Scott Brison
Member of Parliament, Kings-Hants

Quick facts

  • The Annapolis Valley First Nation is located in southwestern Nova Scotia, approximately 88 km northwest of the City of Halifax. It has a total registered population of 295 people, with approximately 120 people living on reserve.

  • Webster Farm is a diversified family farm located in Cambridge, Kings County in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley.

  • The Community Opportunities Readiness Program
    provides project-based funding for First Nation and Inuit communities for a range of activities to support communities' pursuit of economic opportunities.

Associated links

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Rachel Rappaport
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott
Minister of Indigenous Services
819-934-2796

Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
819-953-1160
SAC.media.ISC@canada.ca

Kate Nelson
Annapolis Valley First Nation
902-754-7688


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