Ref. #2-3620
MADAWASKA, NEW BRUNSWICK (February 22, 2012) — The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Madawaska Maliseet First Nation Chief Joanna Bernard announced today a Government of Canada investment of $3.5 million for water, sewer and road construction infrastructure at the site of a 70-acre commercial centre. The Madawaska Maliseet First Nation is providing $9.2 million to complete the project.
The Grey Rock Power Centre is a $13 million project located near the City of Edmundston, New Brunswick, which will provide economic benefits to the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation and surrounding communities through construction jobs, sustainable employment opportunities, land lease and provincial tax revenues, new business development and the establishment of tenant businesses. Business plan projections indicate the Centre will generate more than $300 million in sales, tax revenues, business start-ups and employment in its first eight years.
“Through projects such as this one, new jobs are created and maintained, in turn boosting Canada’s economy,” said Minister Duncan. “This investment not only creates long-term benefits for the First Nation community, but for the surrounding areas as well.”
“We are pleased to have the federal government as part of this wonderful project. We anticipate having other partners to complete the commercial development ‘Grey Rock Power Centre’,” said Chief Bernard. “I believe it’s the team of people that worked hard and worked together to complete what we have done. After eight years of working towards this goal, we are excited to see it become a reality. This has led to our community motto, ‘Moving Forward’.”
“This project is an example of the Government of Canada following through on its commitment to make strategic investments that increase the participation of Aboriginal people in the region’s economic opportunities,” said the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and La Francophonie and MP for Madawaska–Restigouche.
The project, which is currently under construction, is expected to be completed by the spring of 2012.
Minister's Office
Jan O'Driscoll
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
Madawaska Maliseet First Nation
Chief Joanna Bernard
506-739-9765
506-737-7018
