Harper Government Investment Fosters Economic Growth in Webequie First Nation

May 20, 2015 — Webequie, Ontario — Industry Canada/FedNor

The Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor), announced today a Government of Canada investment to help maximize the economic potential of the Webequie Airport, and to support jobs, growth and prosperity in the region.

FedNor funding of $1,360,000 will enable the Webequie First Nation to conduct a two-phased redevelopment plan for its airport that will address the increasing demand on its single airstrip. Phase one will include the evaluation of commercial options, as well as the engineering scoping study for the airport and adjoining lands. Phase two will entail the completion of a business plan for a commercial park development, along with preliminary technical airport design, environmental impact assessment, and facility design.

Quick Facts

• Webequie First Nation’s proximity to the Ring of Fire area makes it ideally suited to business and economic development opportunities related to fuel supply services, general warehousing and storage, hotel accommodations, as well as commercial/administrative office space.
• 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 $343 million in support of more than 1,645 projects. These investments have supported more than 21,500 jobs throughout Northern Ontario.

Quotes

“Our government is committed to providing Aboriginal communities with the tools they need to grow and create jobs. Today’s announcement will help Webequie First Nation to take advantage of emerging business and economic development opportunities, and establish itself as an air transportation hub and business service centre for the region’s growing mining sector.”

– The Honourable Greg Rickford
Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario

“On behalf of the members of our First Nation, I would like to thank the Government of Canada and FedNor for helping us move forward with our airport redevelopment project that will enable our community to capitalize on business opportunities related to area mining activity and the Ring of Fire.”

– Chief Cornelius Wabasse
Webequie First Nation

Associated Links

• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca and follow us on Twitter @FedNor.

Contacts

Alexandra Lemieux
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Greg Rickford
613-996-2007
Alexandra.Lemieux@NRCan-RNCan.gc.ca

Kim Fewchuk
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-971-4112 or 1-877-333-6673 Ext 306

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