Speaking Notes
for
The Honourable Chuck Strahl, PC, MP
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and
Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians
for the
Capital Infrastructure Projects Announcement for First Nations Communities in Atlantic Region
Moncton, New Brunswick
April 16, 2010
Check against delivery
Good morning and thank you all for being here. I am delighted to be back in New Brunswick.
Ladies and gentlemen, this morning I'm here to talk to you about infrastructure – a topic, as I am sure you know, that our government has been very much involved in over the past year or so.
And there's a good reason for this. Infrastructure investments like the ones we are talking about this morning are vital to the quality of life of people living in First Nations communities, as indeed they are for all Canadians.
Because think about it – we need strong infrastructure to keep our families healthy, our children safe, and to ensure that businesses have the facilities they need to succeed. This government recognizes the importance of safe and healthy communities, and so we are proud to support First Nations with infrastructure projects that address these needs.
In Canada's Economic Action Plan, the government announced spending initiatives that included $515 million for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to accelerate First Nations infrastructure projects, focusing on schools, water and improved housing on First Nation reserves. These investments are providing new economic opportunities for First Nations and surrounding areas, and creating jobs for the local communities.
We know that putting in place roads, water and waste water systems, and other basic infrastructure is the best way not only to support basic, quality of life requirements, but also to ensure that communities are able to look forward to sustainable future development.
That is why we are pleased to announce an investment of approximately $7 million to assist First Nations throughout the Atlantic provinces with important capital infrastructure projects, including water and waste water infrastructure, road construction and maintenance, and emergency management throughout the Atlantic region.
Approximately $3.2 million of these funds is dedicated to water and waste water projects in seven First Nations communities in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
$3 million will go toward road maintenance and construction for the Lennox Island First Nation, the Eel River Bar First Nation and the Burnt Church First Nation.
And finally, $820,000 is provided to seven First Nations communities for emergency management needs such as the purchase of fire trucks, a generator for emergency operations and reception centre, as well as fire fighting, training and protection equipment.
And that's what this funding is all about – keeping community members safe, keeping them healthy, and helping to lay the groundwork for a promising future.
I'm also pleased to note that these projects are being developed and delivered by First Nations themselves.
Funding for these projects is provided through Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's Capital and Facilities Maintenance Program. Over 90 percent of this program's budget is administered by First Nations, who are responsible for developing their own capital plans and determining their own priorities.
Ladies and gentlemen, our government is focused on getting things done. We've promised to work with Aboriginal people and all Canadians to build a better future.
And today, here in Moncton, New Brunswick, I'm happy to say that we're keeping that promise, and we're getting down to business.
Thank you. Merci.
