Duck Lake, Saskatchewan. Today, Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon—Wanuskewin, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for upgrades to the community centre at Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation under the Harper Government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).
“I am proud to see Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation benefit from our Government’s support for community infrastructure,
” said MP Vellacott “This investment in the community centre will help create jobs and growth, and will support the prosperity of the community for years to come.
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Federal funding of $90,150 will go towards improvements to the First Nation’s community centre, which hosts a large number of events including weddings, pipe ceremonies and band meetings. As part of this project, the electrical system will be replaced and a new energy-efficient furnace will be installed in the centre. The kitchen and washrooms will also be completely renovated with new appliances and fixtures.
“The Beardy’s & Okemasis Willow Cree Nation appreciate the Government of Canada’s contribution of $90,000.00 to the complete renovation of the Community Recreational Centre,
” said Chief Remonda Gardipy. “Our Centre hosts a lot of community functions such as band assemblies, workshops, funerals & awakes, sacred ceremonies, bingos, weddings, dances.
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CIIF supports, on a cost-shared basis, repairs and improvements to existing community infrastructure accessible to the public. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering the Fund in Western Canada with an allocation of $46.2 million over two years.
Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating small and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.
