Government of Canada Invests in Emergency Management Activities for Lennox Island First Nation

LENNOX ISLAND, PE, Aug. 7, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, visited the Lennox Island First Nation today to meet with community members and to view recently completed work on the causeway that links the community to Prince Edward Island. Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) contributed funding for repairs to the causeway.

"Our Government continues to invest in priorities shared with First Nations, including infrastructure projects that contribute to healthier, safer communities and create opportunities for economic development," said Minister Valcourt. "Our investment in the Lennox Island causeway provides the community with improved access to the rest of the province, enabling economic activity and improving the safety of the First Nation."

AANDC provided funding that has enabled repairs to be completed along the causeway that links Lennox Island to the Province of Prince Edward Island. The causeway's approaches had been damaged by storm surges and flooding. The repairs improve the causeway's stability and enhance protection of the community from storms and flooding.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Government of Canada for its contribution to the continuous well-being of our community," said Chief Matilda Ramjattan. "The causeway is an essential part of interacting with the rest of Prince Edward Island for us and it is essential to creating new jobs and making our community more sustainable."

Funding for infrastructure projects like this is provided through AANDC's Emergency Management Assistance Program, established to assist First Nation communities in managing emergencies.

Since being appointed in February, Minister Valcourt has met with Aboriginal leaders and community members from coast to coast to coast to discuss their priorities and the Harper Government's commitment to creating the conditions for healthier, more self-sufficient and prosperous Aboriginal communities.

This release is also available on the Internet at www.aandc.gc.ca.

 

SOURCE: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Minister's Office 
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern
Development Canada
819-953-1160

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