Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business discuss the importance of investing in Indigenous communities for the benefit of the Canadian economy

TORONTO, April 28, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, will participate in a roundtable with JP Gladu, President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) to discuss how Budget 2016's historic investments into Indigenous communities can positively impact the Canadian economy and business community.

Budget 2016 places a renewed nation-to-nation focus on the relationship between the Crown and Indigenous communities, with unprecedented investments of $8.4 billion over 5 years that aim to close the social and economic gaps in infrastructure, education, and child and family services.

The CCAB has been a leader in promoting sustainable relations between Canadian business and Aboriginal entrepreneurs and in supporting employment and business development opportunities with Aboriginal communities. For over 30 years CCAB has been committed to Aboriginal business and is an important starting point and catalyst in providing effective solutions and tools to Indigenous communities looking to build business skills and capacity.

Quotes

"Indigenous communities are already making significant economic contributions. These investments which will continue to increase with time are so important in allowing Canada to close the unacceptable social and economic gaps."

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

"Now more than ever the discussion with our federal counterparts on Aboriginal business and its role in the 2016 budget is important to the prosperity of all Canadians. We are encouraged and hopeful of a mutual dialogue that embraces our achievement while addressing resource challenges."

Jean Paul Gladu
President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business

Associated Links

Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business 
Budget 2016 - A Better Future for Indigenous Peoples

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SOURCE Government of Canada

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