Ref. #2-3453
OTTAWA, ONTARIO (January 18, 2011) - The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, the Honourable Eric Robinson, Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs for the Province of Manitoba, and President David Chartrand of the Manitoba Métis Federation announced today the establishment of an investment fund to support Métis involvement in major resource and energy projects in the province.
"Through the Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development, our Government continues to work with provincial and private sector partners to increase Aboriginal participation in economic opportunities across Canada," said Minister Duncan. "As a result of these strong partnerships, we are maximizing opportunities and benefits for Aboriginal people."
"Increasing Métis participation in the sustainable development of Manitoba's vast natural resources will benefit all Manitobans," said Minister Robinson. "With our contribution through our recently established Métis Economic Development Fund, Métis businesses will enjoy enhanced opportunities in Manitoba's burgeoning resource and energy sector."
The new self-sustaining fund will invest in Manitoba Métis-owned businesses to help increase their participation in the province's mining, oil and gas, forestry, fishing and renewable energy sectors. The Government of Canada will invest $3 million in the fund, while the Province of Manitoba will contribute $1 million.
The new fund will be managed by the Métis Economic Development Organization in Manitoba, an arms-length economic development organization affiliated with the Manitoba Métis Federation.
"The Manitoba Métis Federation is very pleased to contribute and be part of this important announcement today," said President David Chartrand of the Manitoba Métis Federation. "This fund will assist small to mid-range Métis business owners to create real economic growth through new jobs and help drive the Manitoba economy forward. These new dollars are an investment that will better position the Métis people to develop financial partnerships and ensure a strong future for all Manitobans."
The Government of Canada's funding comes from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's Major Resource and Energy Development (MRED) Investments Initiative, which is designed to help Aboriginal businesses partner in some of the most important energy and economic development projects in the country. This initiative is supported by the Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development, the Government of Canada's policy framework outlining its vision, priorities, and strategy for increasing the participation of Aboriginal peoples in the Canadian economy.
The Government of Manitoba's funding comes from a new $10-million Métis Economic Development Fund announced last year by Premier Greg Selinger and Manitoba Métis Federation President David Chartrand. The objective of the Métis Economic Development Fund is to stimulate the economic development activities of the Métis people of Manitoba by providing equity and capital for Métis-controlled businesses.
The Métis Economic Development Organization is a business investment and management firm that works alongside the Manitoba Métis Federation to make strategic business investment decisions based on generating profit and building capacity for the long term sustainability of the Métis Nation within Manitoba.
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
Manitoba Aboriginal and Northern Affairs
Matt Williamson
Press Secretary to Cabinet
(204) 945-1494
Manitoba Métis Federation
Frank Coyle, Director of Communications
(204) 586-8474 ext. 374
Cell: (204) 232-5737
Métis Economic Development Organization
Blake Russell, CEO
(204) 586-8474
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Description: News releases and speeches on current and historical matters relevant to Aboriginal people and Northerners
