The Government of Canada and First Nation Co-invest in Infrastructure to Drive Community Economic Development

Sewer extension for Tseshaht First Nation is part of the Government of Canada's commitment to supporting economic growth for First Nation Communities

PORT ALBERNI, BC, March 19, 2014 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to investing in infrastructure projects that ensure First Nations have the same access to safe water and waste water facilities in their communities, as all Canadians. The government will support a 3.3 km sewer extension on the Tseshaht First Nation Reserve that will provide service to the Westlands location of the Tseshaht Market and future development potential of commercial and recreational facilities.

The sewer extension opens up community economic growth opportunities for the First Nation such as employment and potential for new businesses. In addition, the sewer extension will provide much needed servicing to the current and future commercial and recreational facilities on Tseshaht First Nation land.

Contributions towards this project include $1.46 million from the Government of Canada, as well as $756,000 from the Tseshaht First Nation. This investment builds on the Government of Canada's action to support a comprehensive plan that will improve drinking water and wastewater systems on First Nation lands. This is a long-term plan founded on four pillars: enhanced capacity building and operator training; enforceable standards and protocols; infrastructure investments; and protection of public health.

Quick Facts

• The investment is made possible through the Community Economic Opportunities Program, which provides project-based support to First Nation and Inuit communities that have the best opportunities for public services in economic development.
• Through the Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development, the Government of Canada continues to invest in infrastructure development that helps First Nations pursue economic development activities and participate more fully in Canada's economy.

Quotes

"Strong and healthy communities are the foundation of economic development, growth and long-term prosperity. That is why our government is proud to invest in infrastructure development like this sewer extension, which supports the Tseshaht First Nation to have the same access to safe waste water facilities as all Canadians and to pursue economic development activities that benefit the whole region."

Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"Tseshaht wishes to thank the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development for this opportunity to pursue our economic dream of self-reliance. This infrastructure development will allow Tseshaht to develop our reserve and create jobs, not just for our own people but for others as well. This project is good for the entire region. Tseshaht has a long history of creating opportunity and growth and this infrastructure development in partnership with AANDC and the Nuu Chah Nulth Tribal Council will allow us to continue that into the future."

Chief Hugh Braker
Tseshaht First Nation

"The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC) is happy to support Tseshaht in this important infrastructure development, as it is critical to the success towards the health and well-being of the Nation. NTC joins in congratulating the Tseshaht on making this important step on their path to a prosperous future. This project brings significant opportunity both on the economic development front, as well as the expansion of the Santu development and desperately required residential housing. It will open opportunities for jobs for our members and benefits for the whole community including Port Alberni. Infrastructure development is one of the key elements to create jobs. Ultimately, Tseshaht, Nuu-chah-nulth and other citizens of the region will all benefit from better services and a greater prosperity for the community."

Deb Foxcroft
President, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council

"I am proud to be a part of our Government that makes key investments to support the economic prosperity and well being of First Nations communities. Congratulations to the Tseshaht First Nation for this great accomplishment."

James Lunney
Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Alberni

Related Products

Community Economic Opportunities Program (CEOP)

Associated Links

Tseshaht First Nation Community Profile
Economic Development Success Story Videos
Tseshaht First Nation website

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

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