Government of Canada Invests in Fuel Systems and Diesel Generating Station Projects in 19 First Nation Communities in Ontario

KASABONIKA LAKE FIRST NATION, ON, May 19, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today announced infrastructure investments for 19 First Nations in Ontario, most of which are remote communities. Minister Rickford made the announcement while visiting Kasabonika Lake First Nation today.

The Government of Canada is investing $28.5 million for the design and upgrades to diesel generating stations and fuel tank systems at core facilities funded by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC).

Quick Facts

• Diesel generating stations and fuel tank projects are in progress at Deer Lake, Fort Severn, Poplar Hill, Mishkeegogamang, and North Spirit Lake First Nations at a total cost of $16.4 million.
• AANDC is also investing over $3 million to support fuel tank design projects in Attawapiskat, Kashechewan, Fort Albany, Mishkeegogamang, Sandy Lake, Weenusk, Eabametoong, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, and Wikwemikong First Nations.
• AANDC has provided over $9 million to Poplar Hill, Pikangikum, Kasabonika Lake, Muskrat Dam, Mattagami, Webequie and Sachigo Lake First Nations for completed projects that address the unique electrical challenges and fuel tank issues faced by these communities.
• Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the federal government is assisting First Nations to upgrade or replace essential community-owned fuel tank infrastructure and contribute to a cleaner environment on reserve as well as to improved health and safety for on-reserve residents.
• In addition to Budget 2011's investment of $45 million over four years, AANDC committed an additional $34.5 million over five years (2011-2016) from the Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program for a total investment of $79.5 million to bring 750 essential First Nation fuel tanks into compliance.
• Kasabonika Lake First Nation is located 448 kilometres northeast of Sioux Lookout, Ontario and along the Asheweig River.

Quotes

"Sustainable and reliable electrical generation and fuel facilities are crucial to the future economic growth and development opportunities for these First Nation communities. These projects represent the Government of Canada's commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by First Nation communities in the Ontario Region."

Greg Rickford
Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, and Member of Parliament for Kenora

"I am pleased that the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of assisting the Kasabonika Lake First Nation with improvements to our infrastructure. The upgrades to our fuel system ensure the health and safety of our community."

Chief Eno Anderson
Kasabonika Lake First Nation

Associated Links

Economic Action Plan – Investing in On-Reserve Infrastructure 
Kasabonika Lake First Nation – Community Profile

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SOURCE Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Emily Hillstrom, 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