Canada’s Economic Action Plan Delivers New School for Ahousaht First Nation on Vancouver Island

2-3159

Ottawa, Ontario (March 20, 2009) – Members of the Ahousaht First Nation will benefit from a new school, thanks to the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Today James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Alberni, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced funding support for a new school for Ahousaht First Nation.“Our government is making progress in ensuring First Nation students enjoy the same educational opportunities as students elsewhere in Canada,” said Lunney. “Ahousaht First Nation will have access to a high quality learning environment to fulfil their educational aspirations within their own community.”

“This is so important for our growing community of Ahousaht,” said Chief Keith Atleo of the Ahousaht First Nation. “Education is vital so that we can all reach our goals in life and this announcement truly is a mandate for our community to grow and better our future generations.”

This project is part of the $200 million for new schools and major renovations included in the $1.4 billion investment for Aboriginal peoples under Canada’s Economic Action Plan. This funding will help design a stand alone school that will serve grade 7-12 students in Ahousaht First Nation. The current K-12 school is overcrowded. The project includes four teacherages and eleven classrooms, with potential additional space for five more rooms. The K-6 students will remain in the existing school.

The Government of Canada is taking action to improve the lives of First Nations and stimulate economic growth in First Nation communities through targeted infrastructure investments. Investments in school infrastructure projects will help ensure First Nation students have a strong and productive educational experience, which starts with access to quality infrastructure that is conducive to learning.

Project costs will be identified following the competitive tendering process.

For more information, please contact:

Minister’s Office
Nina Chiarelli
Canada Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
(819) 997-0002

Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160