This much-needed initiative will stimulate Métis economic development and create employment in and for our communities,
said Brian Hjlesvold, Chair of the Métis Entrepreneurship Fund. The Board of the Métis Entrepreneurship Fund thanks the Government of Canada, the Métis National Council and the working group of the Métis Economic Development Symposium for bringing this initiative to fruition.
The fund marks a milestone in building economic development capacity on a Métis Nation-wide basis,
said President Clément Chartier of the Métis National Council. This makes for more efficient investment of capital and strengthens us as a Métis Nation.
Our Government is committed to helping Aboriginal communities take advantage of key economic opportunities,
said Chris Warkentin, Chair of the Aboriginal Affairs Committee and Member of Parliament for Peace River, Alberta. These projects will create jobs, strengthen community knowledge, skills and management capability in leading-edge commercial mining technology, which will benefit Canada’s overall economy.
The funds allocated for this project in the Nunavik region will allow the community of Ivujivik to take full advantage of economic development opportunities to meet its community's needs,
said the Honourable Peter Penashue, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada. This project allows for the expansion of the region’s business initiatives, promotion of Aboriginal tourism, creation of employment opportunities and additional revenue to invest in its community's development.
The Government of Canada is committed to helping Aboriginal communities take advantage of key economic opportunities,
said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women. The Inuit Women in Business Network pilot project will create opportunities in the North and ensure that Aboriginal entrepreneurs have the tools they need to start and grow their businesses.
Pilot projects like this give Inuit women entrepreneurs access to business development tools and capital to help them establish and run viable, sustainable businesses for their communities,
said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. The Government of Canada is proud to support Inuit women as they move towards developing a resilient business industry.
The federal contribution to Kitsaki Mining Limited has allowed our company to not only obtain essential mining equipment and vehicles, but also has allowed us to become a leader in the gold mining industry,
stated Kitsaki CEO Russell Roberts. Most importantly this project provides the people of Lac La Ronge Indian Band with an opportunity to become an ever larger part of the growing exploration and mining sector.
This is another opportunity to empower Inuit women to apply the knowledge and skills they already possess to create their own successful businesses,
said Elisapee Sheutiapik, President of Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada. This will also support the development of sustainable businesses located in the North and a strengthened economy.
The Ivujivik co-operative association, a member of the Fédération des coopératives du Nouveau-Québec, started construction of a new 16-room hotel in the community in July 2011,
reported François Day, director of Fédération des coopératives du Nouveau-Québec. The facility is slated to open in a few weeks. This project, costing $2.8M, will provide quality accommodation for its clients. It could not have been completed without the financial backing of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. Business relations with the Department have been excellent since its very first financial input. We are counting on its support for future projects.
