Ottawa, Ontario (October 25, 2013) - The Harper Government today welcomed the news on the successful Tsuu T'ina First Nation referendum vote regarding Southwest Calgary Ring Road.
I would like to congratulate Tsuu T'ina First Nation for its successful referendum vote last night, approving an agreement on the construction of the Southwest Calgary Ring Road,
said the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. This represents a major milestone in the process to construct a highway and transportation utility corridor to form the southwest portion of the ring road. I commend both Tsuu T'ina First Nation and the Province of Alberta for their efforts to reach an agreement on this project – a project that will provide significant economic benefits to the region, the province and indeed, all of Canada.
The construction of the Southwest Calgary Ring Road is great news for Calgary and great news for all of Southern Alberta,
said the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism.
The Government of Canada will now proceed with addressing the federal obligations identified in the agreement. The proposed transactions (Section 35 of the Indian Act transfer and Additions to Reserve) will necessitate up to three Orders in Council. Once all relevant steps are taken, the land will be transferred to the Province of Alberta and the First Nation will be compensated.
Supporting key economic development projects such as the Southwest Calgary Ring Road is an example of our Government's commitment to unlocking economic development opportunities for First Nations,
said Minister Valcourt. With increased economic development comes increased self-sufficiency – and stronger First Nations mean a stronger Canada.
The Government of Canada and the Chief Federal Representative will continue to engage the parties to review and respond to the terms of the road deal, begin work on the implementation items, and advise the parties on Canada's processes and timelines.
Click here for more information on how Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada is promoting economic development.
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt
819-997-0002
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
