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Whitehorse, Yukon (January 19, 2012) — Parliamentary Secretary Greg Rickford was in Whitehorse today for his final meeting with Aboriginal stakeholders on the economy as part of the government's coast-to-coast pre-budget consultation.
"Our Government's top priority continues to be the economy," said Mr. Rickford, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. "Increasing Aboriginal participation in the economy is the most effective way to improve the well-being and quality of life of Aboriginal people in Canada. It is also important to Canada's future economic prosperity."
Leading up to the next federal Budget, the Government of Canada is holding consultations with Canadians from coast-to-coast on the economy. The consultations are an opportunity for Canadians to provide their views on the best way to create jobs and economic growth.
As part of his consultation tour, Parliamentary Secretary Rickford met this week with Aboriginal stakeholders in St. John's, Newfoundland; Montreal, Quebec; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Whitehorse, Yukon. During stops in St. John's and Montreal, Mr. Rickford announced new investments to support economic development and capital infrastructure and emergency management projects in Aboriginal communities.
Improving economic opportunities for Aboriginal people is a priority for the Government of Canada. In June 2009, the Government of Canada released the Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development, which represents a fundamental change to how the federal government supports Aboriginal economic development. The Framework emphasizes strengthening entrepreneurship, enhancing the value of Aboriginal assets, forging new and effective partnerships to maximize economic development potential, developing Aboriginal human capital, and better focusing the role of the federal government.
Minister's Office
Jan O'Driscoll
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
