Four projects in Yukon benefitting the Champagne and Aishihik and Kwanlin Dün First Nations
WHITEHORSE, April 28, 2017 /CNW/ - Modern public infrastructure is key to supporting the unique needs of northern communities. These investments help protect the environment, develop vibrant and welcoming communities, and support First Nations in sharing Northern Canada's diverse heritage.
Today, Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable John Streicker, Minister of Community Services, Government of Yukon, accompanied by Dän Nätthe ada Kaaxnox (Chief Steve Smith) of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and Chief Doris Bill of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, announced funding of $692,463 through the federal Gas Tax Fund towards four First Nations projects in Yukon.
In Haines Junction, the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations will install wireless network infrastructure to provide more reliable, secure and cost-efficient connectivity of their buildings. To accommodate the growing community, significant upgrades and 1,140 square feet of space will be added to the Champagne Potlatch House, where important meetings, cultural events and other community gatherings are held.
In Whitehorse, the Kwanlin Dün First Nation will replace the aging furnace in their potlatch house to increase its energy efficiency. The heating system in their House of Learning will also be replaced to reliably provide students with a comfortable environment in which to learn.
Once complete, these projects will help to improve quality of life for these First Nations, whether at work, at school or together as a community.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of investing in infrastructure that supports safe, cohesive, and vibrant communities. Along with our territorial partners, we are committed to making sure northern communities obtain the support they need to address local infrastructure priorities. These projects will provide modern amenities for a better quality of life, and help strengthen a sense of community, allowing traditions to be passed on to future generations.
Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon,
on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"The Gas Tax Fund provides local solutions to local problems. It is an important resource for First Nations and municipalities in Yukon as they work to build sustainable local infrastructure. We support this predictable funding that gives communities a meaningful role in building a better Yukon."
The Honourable John Streicker, Minister of Community Services, Government of Yukon
"Putting Gas Tax funds to work in our communities makes a big difference. The Champagne Potlatch House project will provide much-needed new space and improvements so we can host important gatherings, like our 2017 General Assembly. And our network project in Haines Junction is a wireless upgrade that will improve our government's connectivity and efficiency."
Dän Nätthe ada Kaaxnox (Chief Steve Smith), Champagne and Aishihik First Nations
"Gas tax funding has supported much needed infrastructure upgrades within the McIntyre subdivision," said Chief Doris Bill. "While these upgrades improve the government's energy-consumption bottom line, they also improve the well-being of citizens, staff and guests who are frequent users of both Nàkwät'à Kų̀ (Potlatch House) and Kenädän Kų̀ (House of Learning)."
Chief Doris Bill, Kwanlin Dün First Nation
Quick facts
- The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
- To meet the unique needs of rural and northern communities, Budget 2017 proposes to invest $2 billion to support a broad range of infrastructure projects.
- Budget 2017 proposes federal funding to build and improve infrastructure in Indigenous communities through an investment of $4 billion. This investment will be delivered through the green infrastructure and social infrastructure funding.
Associated links
- Government of Canada's $180 billion+ infrastructure plan in Budget 2017
- Federal infrastructure investments in Yukon
- Gas Tax Fund
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada
SOURCE Infrastructure Canada
For further information: Brook Simpson, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-219-0149, [email protected]; Aisha Montgomery, Communications Director, Community Services, Government of Yukon, 867-456-6580, [email protected]; Amy McKinnon, Communications Manager, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, 867-634-4200 ext. 237, [email protected]; Marie-Louise Boylan, Communications Manager, Kwanlin Dün First Nation, 867-633-7800 ext. 112, [email protected]; Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, [email protected], Twitter: @INFC_eng, Web: Infrastructure Canada
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