GATINEAU, April 15, 2004 -- The Government of Canada will work with the Native Alliance of Quebec to ensure brighter future prospects for the Aboriginal population of Quebec. The announcement was made today by Marcel Proulx, Member of Parliament (Hull--Aylmer), on behalf of the Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage."One of the Government of Canada's priorities is to create opportunities for Aboriginal people to participate in the decision-making processes that affect their daily lives," said Mr. Proulx. "By supporting the work of the Native Alliance of Quebec, we are taking a positive step toward meeting this goal.""In the recent Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada committed to helping Aboriginal communities take an active role in building a brighter future for themselves," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "I am pleased, therefore, that the Government is renewing its partnership with the Native Alliance of Quebec to ensure the organization can represent its membership better, and manage their programs and services more efficiently." Funding of $59,500, to be provided through the Aboriginal Representative Organizations Program (AROP), will allow the Native Alliance of Quebec to implement a strategic plan to help it effectively determine and execute its priorities. The plan would include a review of the Alliance's activities in the past five years, as well as a series of community consultation meetings.The objective of AROP is to maintain a consultative framework of Inuit, Métis, and Non-Status Indian representative organizations through which governments can address the social, economic, political, and cultural issues affecting the lives of Aboriginal peoples in Canada.Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Aboriginal Affairs Branch. The Department of Canadian Heritage encourages participation in and contribution to Canadian society by means of support to Aboriginal representative organizations, Aboriginal women's groups, Aboriginal youth, Friendship Centres, and the preservation of Aboriginal languages.Funding for this program was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.Information:Annick Lavigne Office of Marcel Proulx Communications Assistant(613) 992-7550 Mylène DupéréPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage(819) 997-7788
