Government of Canada Invests in Indigenous Economic Development in Manitoba

Indigenous businesses and programs to benefit from more than $5.3 million in federal investments

WINNIPEG, April 3, 2018 /CNW/ - Indigenous businesses and skills development programs in Manitoba will have support to grow their operations and create jobs thanks to funding from the Government of Canada.

Today, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources, 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 $5.3 million for eight projects in Manitoba through the Western Diversification Program (WDP).

The projects represent a wide range of economic activities including upgrading and expanding broadband access to First Nations; installing geothermal heating systems; supporting trades-related training; installing a solar farm; purchasing automated pharmaceutical equipment; and establishing hydroponic gardening.  These investments will contribute to the growth and well-being of Indigenous communities, create jobs and capitalize on economic opportunities.

The Manitoba investments announced today are part of an announcement of over $27 million made by Minister Bains on March 13, 2018 at the Songhees Nation in British Columbia to support 45 Indigenous businesses and programs across Western Canada.

Quotes

"The success of Indigenous businesses and programs is essential to building a strong innovative and inclusive Canadian economy. The funding announced today will contribute to economic development in Indigenous communities in Manitoba, while providing skills development opportunities to help increase economic participation."
-       The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources

"The timing couldn't be better. This gives us the opportunity to provide certified technical micro-training to people in northern and southern Manitoba in an industry with a very high demand for these job-ready skill sets."
-       Ken Sanderson, Executive Director, Broadband Communications North Inc.

Backgrounder: Government of Canada Invests in Indigenous Economic Development in Manitoba

A skilled and entrepreneurial workforce is critical to drive economic growth in Western Canada. The investments announced today are part of the Western Diversification Program (WDP), the main program through which Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) makes strategic investments in initiatives that enhance and strengthen the economy of Western Canada.

On March 13, 2018, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science
and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada announced more than $27 million for 45 Indigenous Economic Growth projects throughout Western Canada. Today's announcement highlights eight of the Indigenous Economic Growth projects in Manitoba.

Organization	Project Description	Location	Funding
Assiniboine Community College	Purchase and equip trailers for trade-related training in Indigenous communities	Brandon, MB	$    150,000
Fisher River Economic Development Corporation	Install a solar farm in Fisher River Cree Nation	Koostatak, MB	$ 1,100,000
Atoskiwin Training and Employment Centre	Expand trades training at Atoskiwin Training and Employment Centre	Nelson House, MB	$     387,615
Manitoba Food Charter Inc. (Food Matters Manitoba)	Establish a portable farming system in Norway House	Norway House, MB	$    200,000
Norway House Pharmacy Ltd.	Purchase automated pharmaceutical equipment to expand business opportunities	Norway House, MB	$    165,328
Aki Energy Incorporated	Install geothermal heating systems in 600 First Nation homes in Manitoba	Winnipeg, MB	$ 1,167,200
Broadband Communications North Inc.	Establish a centre to support the upgrade and expansion of broadband access to First Nations	Winnipeg, MB	$    937,600
Manitoba Construction Sector Council (MCSC)	Establish a blast hole drilling training program in partnership with First Nation communities	Winnipeg, MB	$ 1,254,800
TOTAL PROJECT FUNDING			$ 5,362,543

Associated Links

• Government of Canada Invests in Indigenous Economic Development across Western Canada
• Backgrounder: Indigenous Economic Growth Announcement
• Western Diversification Program (WDP)

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SOURCE Western Economic Diversification Canada

Nathalie Leroux, Director, Policy, Planning and External Relations, Western Economic Diversification Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Telephone: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Ken Sanderson, Executive Director, Broadband Communications North Inc., Telephone: [phone], Email: [email protected]