Cat Lake First Nation, Ontario (September 6, 2013) - On behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, the Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of State for Science and Technology, and Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, the Minister responsible for the Ring of Fire, and Member of Parliament for Kenora, along with Cat Lake First Nation Chief Russell Wesley, today celebrated the opening of the Lawrence Wesley Education Centre.
Our Government is committed to the growth and long-term prosperity of our communities and of all Canadians,
said Minister Rickford. Today's announcement demonstrates that our Government is listening to First Nation partners, and that we are working together on shared priorities to provide students with access to the same education available to all Canadians and ensuring their success to become productive members of their communities, right here in Northern Ontario.
Our Government is committed to the principle of First Nation control of First Nation education, and will continue to work with First Nation partners to ensure that First Nations have the same access to improved education as all Canadians. This new, fully equipped school will provide current and future students of Cat Lake First Nation with a safe and welcoming learning environment that reflects their unique needs and interests, to help them reach their full potential. The new kindergarten to Grade 8 facility in Cat Lake First Nation will accommodate approximately 176 students and is 2,249 square metres in size.
This new school will improve the educational outcomes of our community's students and represents hope for our young people, who will one day be our leaders,
said Cat Lake First Nation Chief Russell Wesley.
Between April 2006 and March 2012, the Government of Canada has provided funding to support the completion of 429 school projects, including the building of 36 new schools and 393 renovations and other school related projects.
Cat Lake First Nation is located 179 kilometres north of Sioux Lookout, Ontario, and has an on-reserve population of 545.
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt
819-997-0002
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Greg Rickford
613-943-6177
