Government of Canada Announces Investments to Lead the Development of a New Brunswick Aboriginal Shipbuilding Strategy

FREDERICTON, April 3, 2014 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada's National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS) represents a historic opportunity for job creation and economic growth across the country. The NSPS is expected to create thousands of high-value jobs across Canada and will have significant economic benefits in shipbuilding and related industries.

The funding was announced at the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) plenary session in Fredericton, New Brunswick where the theme focused on how Aboriginal Entrepreneurs can seize opportunities. JEDI will review the business and employment opportunities associated with the NSPS in order to help develop a New Brunswick Aboriginal Shipbuilding Strategy and work plan that will ensure Aboriginal communities in the province understand the opportunities available to them. This project is a crucial step towards creating a framework for the successful pursuit of economic opportunities for First Nation communities in New Brunswick.

This investment of over $200,000 through the Strategic Partnerships Initiative will fund a strategy and work plan to be developed by First Nation communities that focuses on increasing capacity and readiness to ensure that these communities can benefit from procurement and employment opportunities associated with the NSPS.

Quick Facts

• A final report on the Strategy is expected in the fall of 2014.
• More than a dozen federal departments and agencies partner on the SPI.
• SPI fosters a whole-of-government approach to Aboriginal economic development by enabling federal partners to align investments and resources around shared objectives. The program helps eliminate funding gaps in existing federal programming that could otherwise limit or exclude Aboriginal involvement in emerging economic development opportunities.

Quotes

"Our Government continues to take steps to encourage job creation and economic growth for all Canadians. This investment in a New Brunswick Aboriginal shipbuilding strategy creates the conditions for more prosperous, self-sufficient First Nation communities, and will lead to greater First Nation participation in the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy which encourages healthier First Nation communities and a stronger Canada."

Bernard Valcourt
Minister Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"The New Brunswick Aboriginal Shipbuilding Engagement Strategy Consultation Project is an important undertaking. Through this process, Aboriginal people across New Brunswick will have their say on how they would like to pursue the economic opportunities from the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS) contract with Irving Shipbuilding Inc. in Halifax. This feedback will help us create a blueprint for moving forward."

Alex Dedam
President of the Joint Economic Development Initiative

Associated Links

National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy
Backgrounder - Atlantic Shipbuilding Action Plan
Strategic Partnerships Initiative - Overview

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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