Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, Quebec
July 4, 2011
Check against delivery
Thank you. It's a pleasure to be here today. I want to thank Chief Grégoire and all of you for the warm welcome.
Our government has made it a priority to renew and deepen our relationship with First Nations. This creates the need for more effective dialogue between First Nations and the government, but it also calls for concerted action at the local level.
In this community, and others across Canada, local leaders are working with First Nation members to identify priorities. Our government is committed to working with you to remove obstacles to progress and improve living conditions.
So I'm pleased to announce that our government is supporting major infrastructure projects that you've identified as key building blocks for future progress. This announcement takes place as part of a tour of some Innu communities of the Côte-Nord region.
Here in Uashat Mak Mani Utenam First Nation, a bridge and a new wastewater pumping station will be built. Our government is pleased to contribute $3.3 million under the First Nations Infrastructure Fund and an additional $4.8 million through regular capital funding.
I also want to congratulate you on the partnerships you're building with the neighbouring community of Sept-Îles. I understand the new wastewater pumping station will help to connect your community's water supply and sewer systems to those of the City of Sept-Îles. This is the kind of practical measure that not only delivers a higher quality of life, but also makes effective use of resources.
Most importantly, these improvements pave the way for future progress. The bridge you are building will make more land available for housing and economic development. And the improvements to water systems will ensure people have clean water, and that there is the infrastructure capacity to build more housing units.
So in addition to creating good jobs during construction, the benefits of this investment will be felt for years. People and families will have safe water to drink. Plus, their quality of life will be enhanced with more opportunities to live in quality housing that meets their needs.
The progress you're achieving makes our government proud to support the First Nations Infrastructure Fund. This fund is to improve the environment and quality of life in communities by helping to develop sustainable energy to power homes and businesses. It's providing roads and bridges that help people and goods get to where they need to be. And it is helping communities connect to the internet — literally opening up a world of opportunity to learn, grow and partner with others.
In this way, the projects we are funding today will generate jobs and economic wealth for years to come. The benefits will be felt in this community and beyond — because the contributions of First Nations are important to Canada's future prosperity.
Best wishes as you complete these projects — and thank you for working so hard to strengthen your community and to help build a stronger Canada.
