Government of Canada Invests in Indigenous Economic Development in Saskatchewan
News release
Indigenous businesses and programs to benefit from more than $7.5 million in federal investments
March 15, 2018 – Regina, Saskatchewan – Western Economic Diversification Canada
Indigenous businesses and programs in Saskatchewan will have support to grow their operations and create jobs in Indigenous communities thanks to new funding from the Government of Canada.
Today, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), highlighted investments of more than $7.5 million for 14 projects in Saskatchewan, through the Western Diversification Program (WDP).
These projects will improve commercial access and business services for Northern and rural Indigenous communities, increase Indigenous training and employment in growing economic sectors, expand tourism resources, and support Indigenous organizations that are championing clean technology. This includes Pro Metal Industries Ltd., a company wholly owned by the Pasqua First Nation in Regina which is promoting Indigenous participation in advanced manufacturing, including metal manufacturing, and the commercialization of industrial carbon dioxide equivalent reducing incineration technology.
These investments in Saskatchewan WDP projects are part of an announcement of over $27 million made by Minister Bains on March 13, 2018 at the Songhees Nation in British Columbia, supporting a total of 45 Indigenous projects across Western Canada.
Quotes
“Investing in Indigenous businesses and organizations will help build a more innovative and inclusive economy in Saskatchewan, while fostering the skills and resources required for Indigenous Peoples to fully participate in the economy and strengthen their communities.
The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
“For Pasqua First Nation, the acquisition of Pro Metal Industries – and our expansion into the agricultural, defence, and oil and gas supply chains – was an important step toward securing long-term social and economic prosperity. Now, going forward with the support of Western Economic Diversification Canada and other partners, our band will be able to leverage this vehicle to bolster the skills of our members, accelerate private sector-Indigenous engagement, and contribute meaningfully to the protection of our traditional lands and waterways. This is about showing the world what our People can do.”
Chief Todd Peigan, Pasqua First Nation
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Contacts
Rhonda Laing
Director, Policy, Planning and External Relations
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 306-975-5944
Email: rhonda.laing@canada.ca
Bob Dumur
General Manager
Pro Metal Industries Ltd.
Telephone: 306-552-5239
Email: bdumur@sasktel.net
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