To announce investments in Eco-Energy Program
'aq'am Community (St. Mary's Band), Cranbrook, British Columbia
July 9, 2012
Check against delivery.
Good afternoon, Elders, Chief Casimer, ladies and gentlemen.Thank you very much; it's an honour for me to join you on the Ktunaxa traditional territory.
Our government's priorities are jobs, growth and Canada's long-term prosperity. Through our Eco-Energy program we are working with First Nations to help them achieve the goals of economic and energy self-sufficiency.
The Eco-Energy program invests in sustainable energy initiatives that not only allow First Nations to develop energy self-sufficiency, but also create economic development opportunities and help to reduce energy costs.
Over the past year, my department, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, has invested $1.2 million to 16 different Eco-Energy projects in First Nation communities across British Columbia.
I'm pleased to be here today in the 'aq'am Community (St. Mary's Band), which hosts one of the 16 projects which received funding. $98,000 has been invested in a biomass energy heating system for your community's new Aqamnik Elementary School and the administrative building. This investment will help your community to significantly reduce its energy costs.
The Eco-Energy program provides funding support for First Nation communities for both the planning stages of renewable energy projects and for the design and implementation of renewable energy projects.
These projects will benefit communities by producing cleaner energy, reducing energy costs and, by giving the community greater energy self-sufficiency, open the door to economic and job opportunities.
Together, these benefits contribute to the achievement of our shared goal of healthier, more self-sufficient Aboriginal communities across British Columbia.
I want to congratulate all 16 Eco-Energy project recipients, and thank the 'aq'am Community for hosting me here today for this important announcement. I look forward to hearing about the benefits that your community derives from this project in the years ahead.
Thank you.
