CALGARY, ALBERTA (January 12, 2005) - The Government of Canada today announced $1 million in federal funding to assist the Whitefish (Goodfish) Lake First Nation #128 expand its dry cleaning and laundry division of Goodfish Lake Development Corporation with the construction of a new state-of-the-art plant. The announcement was made by the Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre and the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. The new $5.4 million dry cleaning and laundry facility will help the First Nation deal with the increase in demand from oilsands development in the Fort McMurray area and will create at least 10 additional new jobs over the next five years. "Whitefish (Goodfish) Lake First Nation #128, like many other First Nations, is a dynamic community," said Minister McLellan. "Its people are forward thinking and eager to create the kind of opportunities that improve social development and economic growth for their community." "The Government of Canada is a committed partner when it comes to generating opportunities for First Nations and helping to close the unacceptable gap between First Nations people and other Canadians," said Minister Scott. The First Nation's dry cleaning and laundry division is just one of three divisions operated under Goodfish Lake Development Corporation, each catering to the oil and gas industry. It also has a sewing and garment division and a retail outlet in Fort McMurray called Protective Clothing Supplies Ltd. The company currently has 82 employees, 88 per cent of whom are Aboriginal. "We are grateful for the support from INAC, as well as our other partners such as Royal Bank of Canada, Syncrude Canada and Suncor, to name a few," said Sandy Jackson, Vice President of Goodfish Lake Development Corporation and Whitefish (Goodfish) Lake councillor. "I would like to thank our employees for their commitment to the corporation, some who have been with us for over 20 years. This business has provided a livelihood for our First Nation over the past 25 years and we anticipate many more successes." Whitefish (Goodfish) Lake First Nation #128, located in Treaty 6, has a population of 2,044. - 30 - For further information, contact: Glenn Luff Director, Communications Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Alberta Region (780) 495-6638 (780) 940-9880 (Cell)
