$27.5 Million For Economic And Community Development

ress release
FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
CODE 01
PLUS WEEKLIES SERVICES CODE 44
Katimajiit Conference
Economy and Employment

Kuujjuaq, August 23, 2007 – The Government of Québec and the Kativik Regional Government have agreed to a $27.5 million economic and community development agreement. This agreement was signed today in Kuujjuaq, within the context of the Katimajiit Conference, by Benoît Pelletier, Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, and Maggie Emudluk, Chairperson of the Kativik Regional Government.The Kativik Regional Government will thus be able to have access to $13.5 million to finance economic development projects and $14 million for community development. Under the terms of the agreement, the contribution of the Government of Québec may reach 80% of the total cost of an economic development or infrastructure construction project.

Mr. Benoît Pelletier said that he was pleased about the signing of this agreement, which falls under the Aboriginal Initiatives Fund (AIF) of the Government of Québec announced during the First Nations Socioeconomic Forum, held in Mashteuiatsh last October. “This agreement will make it possible to meet the most pressing needs in the economic development field by encouraging entrepreneurship and partnership projects. As for the budget earmarked for community development, it will be used to support social and recreational projects, such as youth centres or seniors’ homes,” mentioned the Minister.

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SOURCES:
Claude Longpré
Chief of Staff
Office of the Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs
Tel.: 418 646-5950

INFORMATION:
Fernand Roy
Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones
Tel.: 418 528-7024