Government of Canada Supports Metis Infrastructure Projects
News Release
Ottawa, Ontario, March 25, 2011 – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, announced today that improvements to the Métis Skills and Employment Centre in Abbotsford, B.C. and the Métis Crossing Historic Site expansion near Smoky Lake, Alta., will be a priority for funding consideration by the Government of Canada.
“These projects are priorities for the Métis Nations of British Columbia and Alberta,” said Minister Duncan. “Our government is proud to support infrastructure projects that create jobs, stimulate the economy, and strengthen our communities.”
Upgrades to the Métis Skills and Employment Centre would assist the Métis Nation of British Columbia (MNBC) to meet the increasing demand of clients, as well as provide them with trade- and sector-specific training at a central location. Currently, MNBC provides training to more than 1,300 clients per year.
The Métis Crossing expansion in Alberta would include site development, the construction of a new “Cultural Interpretive Centre” and a new “Gathering Centre” that would allow the heritage site to host large gatherings and conferences. The expansion of the Métis Crossing would allow for increased programs and services, and provide tourists and visitors with an enhanced cultural experience.
The Government of Canada will consider investing up to 50 percent of their projects’ total eligible costs, to a maximum of $1.45 million and $3.5 million, respectively, conditional upon the projects meeting federal eligibility requirements with respect to the Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component as well as the signing of contribution agreements. The Métis Nations of British Columbia and Alberta must each demonstrate that they have secured the funds necessary to complete the projects. The total cost of the Métis Skills and Employment Centre is estimated at $2.9 million, while the total cost of the Métis Crossing is estimated at $7 million.
Since the launch of the Economic Action Plan, Infrastructure Canada has now committed over $10.75 billion dollars toward more than 6,300 infrastructure projects. When combined with the contributions of our funding partners, there is approximately $31 billion dollars committed to infrastructure projects across the country.
For more information on federal infrastructure investments, visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca.
Media Contacts:
John Babcock
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
OR Toll-free
1-877-250-7154
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