Harper Government Supports First Nations Economic Development

VANCOUVER, Dec. 11, 2014 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is proud to support this week's Links to Learning event, taking place in Vancouver, BC, December 9-11. The event brings together approximately 200 economic development and land management officers from First Nations across the province to network and discuss best practices for increasing economic development opportunities in their communities.

Our Government has taken concrete action to improve economic development for Aboriginal communities to ensure they can take advantage of all the opportunities Canada has to offer. The focus of this event aligns with our approach to unlock the economic potential of First Nations lands through legislation and program reforms that allow communities to take greater control over land management. Canada helps Aboriginal communities address challenges in responsible resource development through the Lands and Economic Development Services Program, to help communities achieve success and ultimately to become a better place to do business.

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada provided $400,000 through the Lands and Economic Development Services Program to support the Links to Learning event.
• The First Nations Land Management Regime is another proven tool to assist First Nations with economic development opportunities, providing participating First Nations with greater control over their reserve land and resources.
• Links to Learning 2014 offers over 25 workshops to enhance the ability of First Nations to undertake successful lands and economic development ventures.

Quote

"We are proud to support the Links to Learning event which will help First Nation economic development and land management officers come together and discuss ways to increase economic development opportunities in their communities.This investment is a clear demonstration of our ongoing commitment to enable First Nations to take advantage of Canada's economic prosperity."

Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

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SOURCE: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Erica Meekes, 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