CHARLOTTETOWN, April 13, 2005 -- Member of Parliament (Charlottetown) Shawn Murphy, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $142,889 in funding for the Native Council of Prince Edward Island (NCPEI). The funds will help the organization to further involve its members in all levels of political, social, and economic institutions in Canada. "Aboriginal people in Prince Edward Island have important contributions to make in all sectors of Canadian society," said Mr. Murphy. "I am proud that our government is continuing to work closely with them to ensure that they become more involved in the decisions that affect their lives." "Today, the Government of Canada is renewing its commitment to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal people in Prince Edward Island," said Minister Frulla. "We can all be proud of this partnership with a strong community that is proud of its roots." Since 1975, the NCPEI has represented the off-reserve Aboriginal population of P.E.I. The funds will help the organization strengthen its relationship with governments and other agencies, as well as to finance a portion of its Annual General Assembly, board meetings, and payroll-related expenses. They will also enable the NCPEI to keep the Aboriginal community informed about the Powley Supreme Court case, a decision recognizing Métis rights in Canada. Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Aboriginal Representative Organizations Program (AROP) as well as through one-time Post-Powley funding available this fiscal year to assist Métis organizations to deal with enquiries relating to the Powley case. The goal of the 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. The AROP is managed by the Aboriginal Affairs Branch of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget. -30- Information: Jean-Philippe Côté Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women (819) 997-7788 Barry MacMillan Office of Shawn Murphy, M.P. (902) 566-7016 Myriam Brochu Chief, Media Relations Canadian Heritage (819) 997-9314
