February 6, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt today announced an improved Urban Aboriginal Strategy aimed at increasing the economic participation of urban Aboriginal people.
The Government of Canada is making improvements to the Urban Aboriginal Strategy (UAS) by consolidating four programs into two and by providing greater support to the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) for the delivery of the programs. The federal government will be providing $43 million per year over the next two years to the NAFC for the delivery of funding to organizations offering programs and services that align with the Government's priority of increasing the participation of urban Aboriginal peoples in Canada's economy. The new approach will result in greater efficiency and reduced duplication.
The National Association of Friendship Centres is an established organization that currently plays a central role in providing Aboriginal cultural-based programs and services to a growing urban Aboriginal population across Canada. Improvements to the UAS will focus on collaboration with the NAFC to streamline support and reduce administrative burdens. These savings will be reinvested to support community projects, initiatives and programs dedicated to increasing the participation of urban Aboriginal peoples in Canada's economy.
This streamlined approach to urban programming works alongside other Government of Canada initiatives, such as the First Nation Income Assistance program, in supporting Aboriginal peoples as they contribute to Canada's economy and labour force.
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
