OTTAWA, ONTARIO (March 26, 2012) –The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement today:
“It is with great pleasure that I congratulate the organizers and participants of the Aboriginal Economic Summit. This conference provides an opportunity for First Nations, Métis and Inuit leaders to come together with industry and government representatives to discuss ways to increase Aboriginal participation in major resource and energy development projects across Canada.
Improving economic opportunities for Aboriginal people is a priority for our Government. At the recent historic Crown-First Nations Gathering, we committed to creating conditions to accelerate economic development opportunities and maximize benefits for all Canadians.
Through the Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development, our Government continues to work with Aboriginal, provincial and private sector partners to increase Aboriginal participation in the Canadian economy. These partnerships are creating the jobs and growth that we need to keep our economy competitive.
Events like this Summit support our goal of improving relationships and strong partnerships between Canada and Aboriginal communities. Together, we can ensure that economic development opportunities lead to meaningful and permanent gains for Aboriginal communities and entrepreneurs while supporting our country's economic recovery. All Canadians benefit from strong, sustainable and self-sufficient communities.”
Jan O'Driscoll
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
