Ref. #2-3440
OTTAWA, ONTARIO (December 3, 2010) - The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, congratulates the community of Natashquan on the renovation and expansion of its Uauitshitun School. This project was made possible thanks to an investment of $7.9 million under Canada's Economic Action Plan.
"Our Government is committed to working with First Nations to provide children and youth with a safe and nurturing learning environment," said Minister Duncan. "The work that has been completed on this school project will help to support student success now and in the future."
The Uauitshitun School currently serves students from preschool to Grade 5 and was temporarily expanded in both 2000 and 2005 using portable classrooms. Through this project, the portables were replaced by permanent classrooms and the existing school was renovated to meet current standards and to better meet educational needs. Construction began in February 2010 and was managed by the First Nation.
"This school renovation and expansion demonstrates how this government is working with First Nations to provide children and youth with the education and real-life skills they need to participate in and strengthen their communities," added the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Mégantic–L'Érable.
"This work is excellent news for the community but especially for the students," stated Mr. François Bellefleur, Chief of the Innu community. "Natashquan youth deserve to study in a safe, healthy and modern school. In the long run, modernizing the school, especially by building new classrooms, will certainly contribute to the success of our youth."
This project is part of a two-year targeted funding of $172 million planned in 2009 to build new schools and renovate existing schools under CEAP. These federal funds are adding new classrooms and improving facilities to ensure that school infrastructure can meet future needs.
The Government of Canada is taking action to improve First Nation living conditions and stimulate economic growth in their communities through targeted infrastructure investments, including investments in school infrastructure.
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Michele-Jamali Paquette
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
(819) 997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 953-1160
