KENORA – POLITICS – Greg Rickford, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, announced today the Harper Government’s support for the design of Shoal Lake No. 40 First Nation’s Freedom Road Project.
“This project is an important step towards providing economic benefits and the security of year-round access to our community residents. We look forward to the Government of Canada continuing to work with us to make year-round road access a reality for Shoal Lake 40 First Nation,” said Chief Erwin Redsky, Shoal Lake #40 First Nation.
“Our Government is pleased to work with Shoal Lake No. 40 First Nation and our other partners on the design of the Freedom Road project. This initiative will help improve the economic conditions of First Nation community members by providing all-weather road access to the Trans-Canada Highway through Manitoba,” stated Minister Greg Rickford. “Our Government, along with the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg, are partnering in this initiative by providing $1 million each for the design phase of Freedom Road. The design phase is the basis for establishing the costs associated with the construction of the project. Once the costs are determined, discussions regarding the funding of the road can take place”.
This is the first step toward development of the Freedom Road, an all-season road linking the First Nation community to the Trans-Canada Highway.
Quick Facts
- Our Government is providing $1 million to support the design phase of the Freedom Road project.
- Beginning in 2014-2015, the Government of Canada will provide $155 million over 10 years through the New Building Canada Fund and approximately $139 million over five years through the Gas Tax Fund for roads and bridges, Internet connectivity, solid waste management, energy systems, disaster mitigation and planning and skill development on reserves.
- Since 2006, the Government of Canada has invested over $9.2 billion for community infrastructure on reserves.
