Yellowknife, NWT (March 29, 2009) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today announced support to Aboriginal Pipeline Group (APG) to continue operations as a partner in the proposed Mackenzie Gas Project. Funding of $3 million will be provided over one year to assist APG to continue working towards economic benefits arising from the project.

“Canada is ensuring that Aboriginal people in the Northwest Territories are poised to benefit from the economic opportunities created by the proposed pipeline,” said Minister Strahl. “This is a concrete step our government is taking to ensure that northern communities are central to the development of the Mackenzie Gas Project and will benefit through the creation of community revenues, new jobs and new Aboriginal business contracts.”

Owned by Aboriginal groups in the Northwest Territories, APG offers a new model for Aboriginal participation in the developing economy, notably through an ownership position and by capitalizing on benefits from the proposed pipeline project. This will lead to greater independence and self-reliance among Aboriginal people.

“We are very pleased with the continued financial commitment and support from the Government of Canada,” said Fred Carmichael, Chairman of the Aboriginal Pipeline Group. “When APG was formed by the Aboriginal leaders over seven years ago, their vision was to maximize ownership and benefits of a Mackenzie Valley pipeline. This project is an important economic initiative for Canada and for the North, and we hope one day we’ll realize the vision set forth by the leaders, and see the enduring benefits from a Mackenzie Valley pipeline flow back to our communities.”

Funding for this project comes from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada’s Community Economic Opportunities Program (CEOP). CEOP provides project-based support to First Nation and Inuit communities or organizations that have identified economic development opportunities demonstrating significant economic benefits.