OTTAWA, ONTARIO (October 28, 2013) – The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement on the occasion of the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers' 20th Conference:
I would like to congratulate the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO), along with conference co-host, Long Plain First Nation, for bringing together Economic Development Officers from across Canada for such a stimulating event under the theme of Celebrating Effective Partnerships.
Events like these help shape our future. Today's conference brings together key people in the field of economic development, all of whom have one thing in common: building a future where our communities are sustainable, prosperous and can grow and evolve for the benefit of generations to come.
Long Plain First Nation is an appropriate co-host for this occasion, given that the community recently established an urban reserve in Winnipeg through the Additions to Reserve process. Urban reserves provide benefit to both the First Nation and the neighboring local government, and by working together they can bring further economic prosperity and opportunities to their communities.
Our Government, guided by the Federal Framework on Aboriginal Economic Development, remains committed to forging new and effective partnerships. I hope you will take advantage of this powerful opportunity.
Now in its 20th year, this conference has become a touchstone in the field of Aboriginal economic development, and is a shining example of what can be achieved through perseverance and vision. I once again would like to underline the exceptional work that CANDO has been providing for Economic Development Officers and sincerely wish everyone a very successful conference.
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt
819-997-0002
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
