$112,000 for tourism and aquaculture

NEWS RELEASE

FEDNOR

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Member of Parliament Bryan Hayes (Sault Ste. Marie), on behalf of the Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor), announced today an investment to enhance tourism, support jobs, strengthen the economy and create new business opportunities in two Northern Ontario First Nation communities.

A FedNor investment totalling $112,500 will support the Missanabie Cree First Nation and Batchewana Band Industries Limited.

Of the total, the Missanabie Cree First Nation will receive $90,000 to undertake a feasibility study to determine the viability of transforming the Island View Camp into an all- season tourism facility.

The remaining $22,500 will assist Batchewana Band Industries Limited in its efforts to establish a unique form of aquaculture facility referred to as Total Containment Aquaculture System.

To be located in the Blue Heron Industrial Park, this new aquaculture system will feature innovative technology that is completely sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Quick Facts

• The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.
• Since 2006, through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, the Harper Government has invested $329 million in support of more than 1,600 projects. These investments have supported more than 21,500 jobs throughout Northern Ontario.

Quotes

“Our Government is proud to support Aboriginal businesses and communities by investing in strategic initiatives that stimulate business development and growth, while creating jobs and long-term prosperity in the region. The investments announced today will help attract private sector investment to the area and create economic opportunities within First Nation communities.” said Bryan Hayes, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie.

“Transforming the Island View Camp into an all-season tourism facility will create and maintain jobs, while improving the long-term economic outlook of the Missanabie Cree First Nation. We are proud to partner with the Government of Canada through FedNor on this important project and look forward to the economic opportunities today’s announcement will deliver for our region.” said Chief Jason Gauthier, Missanabie Cree First Nation.