The Honourable Roger Gallaway, Member of Parliament for Sarnia-Lambton, today announced $443,000 in economic development funding for four Aamjiwnaang (Sarnia) First Nation projects. This announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.
“I’m pleased to announce this economic development funding,” said Mr. Gallaway. “Investing in small Aboriginal businesses is part of the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to invest in economic initiatives that improve the lives of Aboriginal people.”
Tourism is one of Canada’s fastest growing industries. Two of today’s investments will encourage tourists in southern Ontario to discover the province’s Aboriginal roots ” $154,185 will support the development of the Thunder Valley Wilderness Resort and $100,000 will fund negotiations for an Aboriginal tourism centre near the Bluewater Bridge in Sarnia.
Fifteen percent of the Canadian economy is sustained by the business and manufacturing industry. Adding to one of the healthiest economies in the world are today’s investments of $89,000 in Phase II of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation’s industrial park and $99,800 for NATSCO Mechanical Contractors Inc. to expand its market nationally, and internationally.
Located on the southern boundary of the City of Sarnia, the Aamjiwnaang (Sarnia) First Nation, with 1,902 members, enjoys convenient access to a diverse customer/client base that services numerous markets in the area.
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada offers programs that help foster economic growth, and prosperity for communities and their residents. For more information on these programs, please visit www.inac.gc.ca/ps/ecd/index_e.html.
For further information, contact:
Brock Worobel
Communications Officer, Ontario Region
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(416) 973-2158