|
CANADA'S NEW GOVERNMENT INVESTS MORE THAN $46 MILLION IN INFRASTRUCTURE AT PIKANGIKUM
by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Friday, Apr. 13, 2007 at 10:36 AM
The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today announced in a visit to the community more than $46 million to improve infrastructure at Pikangikum First Nation.
PIKANGIKUM FIRST NATION, ONTARIO (April 10, 2007) - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today announced in a visit to the community more than $46 million to improve infrastructure at Pikangikum First Nation.
"Canada’s New Government is pleased to invest in improving living conditions at Pikangikum First Nation. We are committed to assisting the First Nation in its efforts to become a healthier, and more sustainable community."
Canada’s New Government through the Regional Major Capital Plan for Ontario of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), has identified close to $41 million over five years (2007-2008 through 2011-2012), to address infrastructure issues at Pikangikum. These include:
$18.2 million to build a new school for Kindergarten to Grade 12;
$12.9 million to complete an upgrade of the current diesel generation system, as well as to connect Pikangikum to Ontario’s hydro grid;
$9.7 million to expand and improve water and wastewater systems; and
close to $200,000 to assess and remediate environmental issues in the community.
Prior to this five-year investment, INAC has also provided approximately $5.4 million in 2006-2007 to assist Pikangikum with improvements to community infrastructure, including:
$3.9 million for equipment and material to build new homes, and repair existing homes;
$740,000 for water system repairs; and
more than $725,000 to upgrade the diesel-generating plant, and for preparation work to connect Pikangikum to Ontario’s hydro grid.
Pikangikum First Nation is located approximately 90 kilometres north of Red Lake, Ontario, and approximately 80 kilometres east of the Ontario-Manitoba border It has close to 2,100 members with 2,000 on reserve. The community is accessible year-round by air, and by ice road during the coldest months of winter.
www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/nr/prs/j-a2007/2-2870-eng.asp
|
