Little Red River Cree Nation, Alberta (July 12, 2011) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today congratulated Little Red River Cree Nation on the opening of its new elementary school in Fox Lake located in northern Alberta.
Investments in school infrastructure projects help ensure First Nation students have a strong and productive learning environment,
said Minister Duncan. Access to quality infrastructure is key to learning. This project is crucial for the students living in Fox Lake.
Funded under Canada's Economic Action Plan and completed in March 2011, the new $32 million school will support over 500 students from Kindergarten to Grade 6. The facility will ensure that children in the community have the best possible learning facilities to help them succeed in their studies.
Canada's Economic Action Plan initiative for on-reserve school construction and renovation underscores the government's commitment to improving on-reserve student retention and graduation rates,
said Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament for Peace River. It has also provided economic stimulus to communities by generating short-term employment and business opportunities.
The Government of Canada is taking action to improve First Nation living conditions and stimulate economic growth in First Nation communities through targeted infrastructure investments, including investments in school infrastructure. The government has provided over $173 million across the country in the last two years to build new schools and renovate existing schools under Canada's Economic Action Plan. This is in addition to the Government of Canada's annual investments of approximately $200 million to support school infrastructure projects and the operation and maintenance of existing facilities in First Nation communities across the country.
Michelle Yao
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
