REGINA, January 13, 2005 -- The Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced today the expansion of the Urban Aboriginal Strategy (UAS) pilot projects. As a result of the $25 million, one-year expansion, four new cities will be added to the UAS: Prince George, British Columbia; Lethbridge, Alberta; Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and Thompson, Manitoba. In addition, current pilot projects with promising results may be expanded. "The UAS is about breaking down barriers to create synergy - combining our forces so that our effect is greater than the sum of our individual efforts," said Minister Scott, lead minister for the UAS. "This helps our resources to stretch further, be more effective and will help deliver on the Government of Canada's commitment to close the gaps that separate Aboriginal people from other Canadians." The expansion of the UAS pilot projects will help the Government of Canada continue its work with provincial and municipal governments, local Aboriginal organizations, non-government organizations and the private sector to develop innovative solutions to address local priorities. In addition to the four new pilot cities, work is already underway in the eight original cities: Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto and Thunder Bay. In total, the expansion represents a doubling of the UAS pilot projects budget to $50 million and an one year extension of the projects to 2006-2007. "The UAS is an important initiative for Regina. One in ten of our citizens identify themselves as Aboriginal," said Minister Scott. "That is why I am pleased to announce $134,897 in original UAS funding for The Peyakowak (They Are Alone) Committee Inc.'s Reaching for Success Life Skills Program. This promising program will help Aboriginal families to better their social and life skills, creating a stronger community." The UAS approach recognizes that local communities are best placed to develop solutions that meet their unique opportunities and challenges. It also recognizes that all governments, and the communities they serve, need to work together to address urban Aboriginal issues. It is with this in mind that the Government of Canada hopes to continue building strong and lasting partnerships. The lessons learned from these projects will help the Government of Canada determine how to address urban Aboriginal issues in the longer-term. The UAS is a Government of Canada initiative that involves a number of departments, including: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Western Economic Diversification Canada, Canadian Heritage, Health Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Justice Canada, the National Secretariat on Homelessness, Industry Canada, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada and others. - 30 - For further information: Diane Laursen INAC Media Relations Tel.: (819) 994-2044
