Government of Canada invests $200,000 to support the construction of Antoine Nation’s new multi-use facility

Press Release

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor

May 23, 2024

Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming, announced today that the Government of Canada is investing $200,000 to support the construction of Antoine Nation’s new 5,000 square foot multi-use facility. FedNor’s support will go towards building a commercial kitchen in the new facility. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.

Funded through the Northern Ontario Development Program, the center would act as Antoine Nation’s first culturally appropriate headquarters for upcoming and future economic development initiatives. The center will support the delivery of programs in nationhood rebuilding, sustainable job creation, youth retention and job readiness education. The center will also support several other community activities such as resources stewardship, Algonquin medicine, sustainable lands management, Indigenous rights, business start-ups and relationship building with neighbouring communities.

Additional benefits include the creation of 14 jobs during the construction of the facility, skills training for 12 members of the community to acquire the skills necessary for work with Ontario Power Generation at dams in the area, and assistance for 12 members to start businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Strong, growing communities create strong economies. That is why the Government of Canada is proud to be investing in projects like this one, which supports community economic development, business growth, strategic planning, and job creation in Northern Ontario.

Quotes

“Today’s investment will help Antoine Nation deliver critical services to their members. It will help provide every generation in the community with a fair chance at success. For too long, the capacity for First Nations to take their own decisions regarding their own economic development has been taken away. This new facility is a concrete step toward reclaiming that decision-making capacity and self-determination.”

– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor

“Today’s announcement is an investment in the long-term success of community and economic development in Antoine Nation. When communities have the resources they need to support businesses and pursue economic opportunities, they are strong and vibrant.”

– Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming

“FedNor’s support will help Antoine Nation with the construction of its first community-owned building, which will pave the way for economic development and growth in our community. The Capacity Building Centre will serve as important gathering place and will provide community members with a place to work together towards sustainable economic development and growth for years to come.”

– Chief Davie Joanisse, Antoine Nation

Quick facts

The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which enables communities and First Nations to increase the number of community and/or regional economic development initiatives implemented, leading to increased business investment, job creation, and regional collaboration and partnerships.
The Government of Canada’s Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario identifies investing in building the economic development capacity of municipalities and Indigenous communities in the region as a key action.
Antoine Nation is an Algonquin First Nation community whose territory extends north, west, south and east from the confluence of the Mattawa and Ottawa Rivers including the northern portion of Algonquin Provincial Park.

Associated links

Contacts
Jennifer Kozelj
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
jennifer.kozelj@sac-isc.gc.ca

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations

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