Ottawa, Ontario (June 16, 2010) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians recently announced that work to rebuild Boulevard Cicip, located in the Algonquin community of Lac Simon, Quebec, is nearing completion.
Boulevard Cicip is the community's main thoroughfare and links the Lac Simon reserve to provincial Highway 117. The project included the complete reconstruction and paving of 800 metres of highway, drainage and landscaping of the boulevard. Work started in September 2008 and is expected to be complete by July 2010.
“The construction and renovation of First Nation infrastructure is an important means of supporting the economic growth of communities,” said Minister Strahl. “Not only has this project created jobs in the community, it will also provide the community with a safe access road.”
“Improving economic opportunities for Aboriginal people in Canada is a priority for the federal government,” added the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Mégantic-L'Érable. “This rebuilt road will enable community members to more actively participate in the Canadian economy."
"This is a project that means a great deal to our community because it will ensure the safety of our members and those who visit our community. At last, we can see the product of the efforts of our Council and those that went before us,” said the Chief of the Anishinabe of Lac Simon First Nation, Brian Dumont. “Thank you to Minister Strahl and to Minister Pierre Corbeil for their financial assistance. We are proud to say that in addition to having managed this project, our community has invested $100,000 of its own funds."
The $2.5 million project was made possible thanks to investments by INAC, Transport Quebec and the Anishinabe First Nation of Lac Simon. INAC's contribution of $1.7 million to this project was made under the First Nations Infrastructure Fund (FNIF).
The First Nations Infrastructure Fund was created to improve the environment and the quality of life of First Nation communities by creating public infrastructure as well as upgrading existing infrastructure. Five categories of eligible projects exist under FNIF: planning and skills development; solid waste management; roads and bridges; energy systems and connectivity. Through FNIF, the government is engaging First Nations in meaningful partnerships, fostering sustainable First Nation communities and supporting stronger, safer and healthier communities.
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Press Secretary
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
