Canada’s New Government Supports the Native Council of Prince Edward Island

CHARLOTTETOWN, April 5, 2007 – On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today announced $115,389 in funding for the Native Council of Prince Edward Island.

“The Native Council of Prince Edward Island provides an important voice for Aboriginal peoples who live off-reserve,” said Minister Oda. “Our Government is proud to support the Council and its work.”

“Canada’s New Government is committed to enabling Aboriginal people to participate in the social, political, economic, and cultural life of the country,” said Minister McKay. “We are pleased to support the Native Council of Prince Edward Island.”As the representative Aboriginal organization on Prince Edward Island, the Native Council is very pleased with the federal government’s continuing support for ensuring the needs of our community are being met by providing ongoing operational support,” said Jamie Gallant, President and Chief of the Native Council of Prince Edward Island.

This funding for the Native Council of Prince Edward Island will support its day-to-day operations and Annual General Assembly, and enhance community input into policy and program development processes. In addition, the funding will help build the capacity of the Native Council of Prince Edward Island through consultations with its membership, board of directors meetings, a newsletter, and maintenance of its website.

The Native Council of Prince Edward Island is an Aboriginal organization that represents the rights and interests of all Aboriginal peoples living off-reserve in Prince Edward Island.

Canada’s New Government has provided this funding through the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Aboriginal Peoples’ Program, which supports the full participation and cultural revitalization of Aboriginal people in Canadian society. It enables Aboriginal peoples to address the social, cultural, economic and political issues affecting their lives.

Information:
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Status of Women
819 997-7788

Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101