Backgrounder
Today, René Arseneault, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced that the Government of Canada, through ACOA, is investing more than $6.1 million in 12 projects that support Indigenous businesses and communities across Atlantic Canada. This will help Indigenous partners to innovate, grow and play a major role in the region's economic recovery.
Indigenous-focused initiatives supported by ACOA
New Brunswick
Buctouche Mic Mac Band $41,240
Expand oyster farm
Joint Economic Development Initiative Inc. $893,915
Provide economic development services to Indigenous communities in New Brunswick
Madawaska Maliseet First Nation $70,000
Construct snowmobile welcome center to extend tourism season
McGraw Seafoods (2008) Inc. $2,500,000
Construct new and modern snow crab processing plant
Pêcheries Baie Chaleurs Fisheries (2012) Inc. $50,000
Hire a consultant for financial restructuring and corporate governance
Newfoundland and Labrador
Labrador Heritage Society $8,220
Undertake upgrades to two heritage buildings in the community of North West River and to enhance an existing trail system which connects tourism assets
Nunacor Development Corporation $977,366
Continue operations of the NunatuKavut Business Centre (over three year period)
Ueushuk Fisheries Limited Partnership $50,000
Support collaboration and development of business opportunities with Innu First Nation
Nova Scotia
Eskasoni Band Council $500,000
Add three new bays to the existing commercial complex leading to increased business, service, and, employment in the community of Eskasoni
WFN Fish Farm Limited Partnership $1,000,000
Expansion of fish processing operation to increase production, improve productivity, and expand its product offerings along with new sales channel opportunities
Prince Edward Island
Abegweit Band $13,800
Support for 20/20 Renewable Energy Catalysts Program
Lennox Island Development Corporation $42,223
Support for oyster grow-out equipment
