1.14 Billion Strong Indigenous Economic Performance in Atlantic Canada

by pmnationtalk on April 27, 20161237 Views

The Atlantic Policy Congress (APC) of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat Releases Precedent Setting Economic Impact study findings

HALIFAX NS – The Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat (APC) has completed a pan-provincial assessment of the Atlantic Indigenous economy. The study titled, 1.14 Billion Strong: Indigenous Economic Performance in Atlantic Canada, consisted of collecting and analysing financial data from band operations throughout Atlantic Canada. A series of community consultations with stakeholders, businesses and band managers as well as an online survey were conducted to frame economic activity, on and off reserve.

Once accumulated, the study found that aggregate Indigenous band, community, organizational and business spending, as well as net household spending have a total impact of $1.144 billion. The Indigenous economy creates 16,733 full time equivalent positions in employment and contributes $184.5 million Total Tax Revenues ($73.2 million Federal Taxes, $92.7 million in Provincial Taxes) and generates $710.9 million in household income in Atlantic Canada.

Study co-chair John G. Paul commented on the report during a presentation of the findings earlier today,

“the project has confirmed for us what we’ve known for years, the Indigenous communities in Atlantic Canada are significant contributors to the region’s economy.” Indigenous communities are important partners and have been integral economic contributors over time. For decades, Indigenous communities have worked together with APC on new and successful development opportunities, advanced training, revenue sharing, and a range of social and economic initiatives for the benefit of Indigenous communities. Paul added, “While the non-Indigenous population has been in decline, the Indigenous community is the fastest growing and youngest in Canada. Our aim is to strategically enhance and nurture the energy of our growing communities with innovative projects and partnerships that will contribute to the prosperity of our region.”

The Honourable Minister Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs was present at the launch of the economic study at Dalhousie University today and noted “This report reaffirms the significant contribution made by Indigenous communities to the Atlantic economy. For too long Indigenous communities have not been a part of the economic growth of our nation. Today’s report lets

all Canadians know about Indigenous communities in Atlantic Canada as leaders in economic development, closing gaps in social outcomes and helping create hope for the future as we move into Canada’s next 150 years.”

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency contributed funding to this project and Group ATN Consulting Inc. led this landmark study. The precedent setting research involved an extensive community engagement process, including outreach to Chiefs and Council, presentations to community leaders and meetings throughout Indigenous communities across Atlantic Canada over the fall and winter months.

“Our Government understands the many ways in which our Indigenous peoples contribute to the prosperity of our country” stated the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. “This study, funded in part by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, clearly outlines the significant economic impact of Indigenous peoples in Atlantic Canada. The Government of Canada remains committed to working closely with First Nations to secure a better quality of life, and build a stronger, more unified and more prosperous Canada.”

It is anticipated that the findings will inform community and government economic policy and program development initiatives, support business growth, as well as support Indigenous and non-Indigenous business partnerships in Atlantic Canada.

Click here to access the full report.

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About APC

Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat is a policy research and advocacy organization that analyzes and develops culturally relevant alternatives to federal policy for 37 Mi’kmaq, Maliseet,

Passamaquoddy and Innu communities and peoples.

For further information contact:

John G. Paul
Executive Director
Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat
Phone: 902-830-5023 (cell) or toll free 1-877-667-4007

NT5

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