LAC LA RONGE, SK, Sept. 30, 2016 /CNW/ - Canada is committed to partnering with First Nation communities to improve essential infrastructure to build healthy, safe and thriving First Nations communities.
Today, the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, congratulated Lac La Ronge Indian Band on the grand opening of the community's new Sucker River Bridge.
The 55-metre bridge is situated over the Nemeiben River and provides a single-lane for vehicles, as well as a guarded pedestrian walkway.
The three-year bridge-replacement project started in 2014-2015, and was funded by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada through the First Nations Infrastructure Fund.
Quotes
"Capital investments, such as new bridges and roads, make a significant difference for the social and economic well-being of communities. My warmest congratulations to Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, Councillors and community members of Lac La Ronge Indian Band on the opening of their new bridge. Our Government is proud to have partnered on the project which will have a lasting, positive impact for all community members."
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
"I would like to thank the Federal and provincial governments for continuing to work with us all these years; today we celebrate the Grand Opening of the bridge that connects the community of Sucker River for the safety and well-being of all community members."
Chief Tammy Cook-Searson
Lac La Ronge Indian Band
Quick Facts
- Budget 2016 invests $4.6 billion over five years to support infrastructure in First Nation and Inuit communities, including $255 million over two years to the First Nations Infrastructure Fund to support a range of infrastructure projects, including bridges.
- The new $2.7-million structure replaces the former wooden bridge that was built in 1958 and has been closed since 2002.
- The Lac La Ronge Indian Band, located about 240 km north of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, is one of the 10 largest First Nation communities in Canada, with an estimated on-reserve population of 6,574 and total band membership of more than 10,300.
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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
For more information, media may contact: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 819-997-0002 ; Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160
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