Government of Canada congratulates Membertou First Nation on the completion of their harbour infrastructure project

MEMBERTOU FIRST NATION, MI'KMAQ TERRITORY, NS, Dec. 17, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is proud to support economic development opportunities and growth in Indigenous communities.

Today, Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, joined Chief Terry Paul, members of council and members of the Membertou First Nation to celebrate the completion of their harbour infrastructure project.

Through this project, Membertou First Nation completed site development in Phase 1 for the Sydney Harbour in the industrial area which will help support multiple commercial development opportunities. Membertou is exploring opportunities for partnership on this site, at this time.

Indigenous Services Canada provided $3 million under the Community Opportunity Readiness Program to support this $6.4 million economic infrastructure project. The project is expected to create new jobs, increase revenues for the First Nation and Cape Breton, and increase the value of the land.

Quotes

"Congratulations to Chief Terry Paul and the Membertou First Nation on the completion of your harbour infrastructure project. This project will help create new jobs and training opportunities for community members, while supporting the growth and diversification of the community's economic prosperity."

The Honourable Jane Philpott, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services

"With an on-going goal of investing in Cape Breton, Membertou is working to develop our property on the Sydney harbor front. When completed, we envision a bustling, vibrant new workforce, contributing to a stronger Cape Breton. We are proud to work with our government to create new opportunities for sustainable development on the island."

Chief Terry Paul
Membertou First Nation

"First Nations communities are doing great work developing in Cape Breton. It is always a pleasure to work with Membertou and to watch their vision grow into reality. Congratulations to the community on finishing another phase! The jobs this development will create are essential to the prosperity of the community and the region. I look forward to seeing all the progress still to come!"

The Honourable Mark Eyking
Member of Parliament (Sydney–Victoria)

Quick Facts

• Membertou First Nation is located in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia with an on-reserve population of approximately 1,550 people with approximately 620 members off-reserve.
• Indigenous Services Canada's investment in the harbour infrastructure project supported activities including site grading, infilling slag, dredging, and street construction. The activities will allow for the tie up of a floating dry dock and will support future business development at the site.

Associated Links

• Membertou First Nation

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SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada

Media may contact: Rachel Rappaport, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, 819-934-2796; Media Relations, Indigenous Services Canada, 819-953-1160, [email protected]