Harper Government Delivers on Commitment to Improve First Nation Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Ref. #2-3701
LADYSMITH, BRITISH COLUMBIA (August 27, 2012) - The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Chief John Elliott of the Stz'uminus First Nation announced funding today for a new water and wastewater infrastructure project in Stz'uminus First Nation.
Our Government remains committed to taking concrete steps to improve the living conditions for First Nations through investments in safe water and wastewater treatment facilities,
said Minister Duncan. Stz'uminus First Nation's new water and wastewater project is an important investment in the health and safety of community members.
The First Nation has plans to develop 25 hectares of designated mixed-use commercial and retail buildings on one of their reserves. There are also opportunities for future First Nation initiatives to benefit from the new infrastructure investment. Situated near the TransCanada highway on Vancouver Island, the Stz'uminus First Nation's reserve is ideally located to facilitate economic development in the region.
Connecting the Stz'uminus First Nation's reserve to the Town of Ladysmith's water and wastewater system will unlock economic development potential on-reserve,
added Minister Duncan. Investing in targeted infrastructure projects is one way our Government is helping First Nations' economies grow.
The support of Minister Duncan and his government has improved the economic prospects for our community,
said Chief John Elliott. Now that water and wastewater services are assured, there are proposals from private businesses to develop several large projects jointly with the Stz'uminus First Nation. These projects will provide jobs for our members and significant economic benefit to the region.
The Government of Canada has invested close to $1.485 million in this project through the Community Economic Opportunities Program, which helps First Nations facilitate economic and employment opportunities like community-owned businesses and land development. The Stz'uminus First Nation contributed an additional $250,000 and will secure funding towards the remaining costs of the project.
Expanding opportunities for Aboriginal peoples to fully participate in the economy is a priority for the Harper Government. Through the Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development, the Government of Canada is working with Aboriginal people and communities to enable them to seize real, significant and sustainable economic opportunities.
Jan O'Driscoll
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
Ray Gauthier
CEO
Coast Salish Development Corporation
250-924-2444
