Government of Canada Invests in Indigenous Economic Development in Saskatchewan

Indigenous businesses and programs to benefit from more than $7.5 million in federal investments

REGINA, March 15, 2018 /CNW/ - Indigenous businesses and programs in Saskatchewan 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 Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), highlighted investments of more than $7.5 million for 14 projects in Saskatchewan, through the Western Diversification Program (WDP).

These projects will improve commercial access and business services for Northern and rural Indigenous communities, increase Indigenous training and employment in growing economic sectors, expand tourism resources, and support Indigenous organizations that are championing clean technology. This includes Pro Metal Industries Ltd., a company wholly owned by the Pasqua First Nation in Regina which is promoting Indigenous participation in advanced manufacturing, including metal manufacturing, and the commercialization of industrial carbon dioxide equivalent reducing incineration technology.

These investments in Saskatchewan WDP projects are part of an announcement of over $27 million made by Minister Bains on March 13, 2018 at the Songhees Nation in British Columbia, supporting a total of 45 Indigenous projects across Western Canada.

Quotes

"Investing in Indigenous businesses and organizations will help build a more innovative and inclusive economy in Saskatchewan, while fostering the skills and resources required for Indigenous Peoples to fully participate in the economy and strengthen their communities.
- The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"For Pasqua First Nation, the acquisition of Pro Metal Industries ? and our expansion into the agricultural, defence, and oil and gas supply chains ? was an important step toward securing long-term social and economic prosperity. Now, going forward with the support of Western Economic Diversification Canada and other partners, our band will be able to leverage this vehicle to bolster the skills of our members, accelerate private sector-Indigenous engagement, and contribute meaningfully to the protection of our traditional lands and waterways. This is about showing the world what our People can do."
- Chief Todd Peigan, Pasqua First Nation

Backgrounder: Saskatchewan Indigenous Economic Growth Announcement

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

On March 13, 2018, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada announced more than $27 million in funding for 45 Indigenous Economic Growth projects throughout Western Canada. Today's announcement highlights the 14 Indigenous Economic Growth projects in Saskatchewan.

Additional Links

• Government of Canada Invests in Indigenous Economic Development across Western Canada
• Backgrounder: Indigenous Economic Growth Announcement

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SOURCE Western Economic Diversification Canada