Government of Canada Invests in Indigenous Economic Development across Alberta

EDMONTON, April 13, 2018 /CNW/ - Indigenous businesses and programs across Alberta will have support to grow their operations and create jobs in Indigenous communities thanks to new funding from the Government of Canada.

Today, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Mill Woods, and Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 Issues, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, highlighted investments of almost $5.5 million for 11 projects in Alberta, through the Western Diversification Program (WDP).

The projects represent an array of economic activities including installing a solar park, establishing a beekeeping demonstration project, implementing a pipeline-monitoring project, developing a data management system, purchasing equipment to expand First Nation business opportunities and supporting skills-development training for the next generation of Indigenous workers. These investments will contribute to the prosperity of Indigenous communities across Alberta by making it easier for businesses to create jobs and capitalize on economic opportunities.

The Alberta investments announced today are part of an announcement of more than $27 million made by Minister Bains on March 13, 2018 at the Songhees Nation in British Columbia to support 45 Indigenous businesses and programs across Western Canada.

Quotes

"The success of Indigenous businesses and programs is essential to building a strong, innovative and inclusive Canadian economy. I am proud the Government of Canada is investing in Indigenous Peoples, removing barriers to their success, and helping to provide them with the skills, high-quality education and resources to fully participate in the economy and strengthen their communities."
-       The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Mill Woods

"The Government of Canada is committed to building a new relationship with Indigenous Peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. The investments announced today will contribute to the economic development of Indigenous communities in Alberta, while also helping to increase their economic participation.
-       Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 Issues

Backgrounder: Government of Canada Invests in Indigenous Economic Development across Alberta

A skilled and entrepreneurial workforce is critical to driving economic growth in Western Canada. The investments announced today are part of the Western Diversification Program (WDP), the main program through which WD makes strategic investments in initiatives that enhance and strengthen the Western Canadian economy.

Organization	Project Description	Location	Funding
Acden Operations Ltd.	Establish an Indigenous beekeeping demonstration project	Fort McMurray, AB	$219,320
Alberta Indian Investment Corporation	Assist Indigenous entrepreneurial skills capacity to support business and professional growth	Enoch, AB	$230,950
Beaver First Nation	Purchase heavy equipment to expand First Nation business opportunities	High Level, AB	$1,106,669
C-FER Technologies (1999) Inc.	Develop and implement an Indigenous pipeline monitoring program	Edmonton, AB	$344,000
Neyaskweyak Group of Companies Inc.	Development of a solar park as a sustainable energy source for the Ermineskin Cree Nation	Maskwacis, AB	$700,500
NorQuest College	Develop and implement an Indigenous Pipeline Construction Worker Program	Edmonton, AB	$75,000
Oteenow Employment and Training Society	Deliver communications, professional development and software testing skills to Indigenous Peoples for jobs in the technology sector	Edmonton, AB	$474,375
Pimee Well Servicing GP Ltd.	Purchase equipment to expand First Nation business opportunities	Kehewin, AB	$650,000
Siksika Resource Developments Ltd.	Purchase heavy equipment to expand First Nation business opportunities	Siksika, AB	$666,022
Wabasca & Region Atoske Action Group Society	Deliver pre-healthcare career training to local Indigenous Peoples in the Wabasca Region	Wabasca, AB	$450,000
Yellowhead Tribal Development Foundation	Develop an innovative database to manage skills, employment and traditional lands	Edmonton, AB	$554,500
TOTAL PROJECT FUNDING			$5,471,336

Additional Links

• Western Diversification Program (WDP)
• Government of Canada Invests in Indigenous Economic Development across Western Canada

Stay Connected

Follow us on Twitter: @WD_Canada, @ISED_CA
WD Homepage
WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388

IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.

SOURCE Western Economic Diversification Canada

Donna Kinley, Manager, Consultation, Marketing and Communications, Western Economic Diversification Canada - Alberta Region, 780-902-2984, [email protected]