Government of Canada invests in New Schools for Northern Manitoba First Nations

OTTAWA, July 11, 2016 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada believes every First Nation child should get the best start in life and is committed to working in partnership with First Nations to support a quality education for First Nations youth.

Today, the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, announced a major milestone in plans to build four new schools and renovate two schools in four remote Manitoba First Nation communities.

INAC and the participating First Nations — Bunibonibee Cree Nation, God's Lake First Nation, Manto Sipi Cree Nation, and Wasagamack First Nation — have jointly selected AECOM as the project manager to oversee the design and construction of the new and renovated schools.

This new initiative will allow for more effective and efficient construction and renovation of schools allowing students in these four communities to have access to quality learning environments sooner.

Quote

"I am certain that these new schools are an important step in creating hope and achieving success for the inspiring young people of Bunibonibee Cree Nation, God's Lake First Nation, Manto Sipi Cree Nation, and Wasagamack First Nation."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada is providing $6 million to AECOM for project management services for the six on-reserve schools.
• Separate contractors will be hired for the school construction and renovation.
• The entire cost of construction of the schools will be determined once a contractor has been selected from an open tendering process.
• Population of the participating First Nations:
  • Bunibonibee Cree Nation: 2,288 people;
  • God's Lake First: 2,455 people;
  • Manto Sipi Cree Nation: 799 people;
  • Wasagamack First Nation: 2,119 people.

Associated Links

Budget 2016 
First Nations Enhanced Education Infrastructure Fund
Bunibonibee Cree Nation
God's Lake First Nation
Wasagamack First Nation 
AECOM

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160