Government of Canada Investment Supports Aboriginal Economic Development

SAULT STE. MARIE, Ontario, June 8, 2012 — Bryan Hayes, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister for FedNor, today announced a Government of Canada investment of $31,500 to support Aboriginal business growth and development in the Sault Ste. Marie area.

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting initiatives that develop entrepreneurial opportunities for First Nations,” said Minister Clement. “This investment will provide Missanabie Cree First Nation members with employment prospects and help strengthen the community’s economy.”

“With this support, the Missanabie Cree First Nation is one step closer to establishing a new manufacturing facility right here in the community,” added MP Hayes. “The project will also help develop partnership opportunities with private sector companies and enhance the region’s economic sustainability.”

The FedNor funding will assist the Missanabie Cree Development Corporation with legal and consulting fees required to establish a band-owned company in the Sault Ste. Marie area that would produce modular homes for sale to other First Nations.

“With FedNor support, we hope to establish a manufacturing company that will create up to 10 jobs initially, and another 10 to 15 as we expand into other markets,” said Chief Kim Rainville, Missanabie Cree First Nation.

The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that strengthen community economic development, enhance business growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.

To find out more about FedNor, visit: fednor.gc.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Sean Osmar
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-957-2666
Kim Fewchuk
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-941-2105 or 1-877-333-6673,
ext. 306

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