e-Bulletin, Issue 4 - April 2010

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News

Improving Water Conditions: Six Nations Water Treatment Plant Construction Begins

The Government of Canada and the Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation gathered on April 16th to celebrate the beginning of construction of a new water treatment plant for the Ohsweken Six Nations in Ontario. Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, over $18 million is going towards the total $26 million cost of this project. Read the News Release.

Minister's Atlantic Trip Announcements

Minister Strahl spoke in Moncton, NB, and Halifax, NS, on April 16th. His announcements included:

• Capital Infrastructure Improvements for First Nation Communities in Atlantic Region
  In Moncton, Minister Strahl announced an investment of approximately $7 million, through INAC's Capital and Facilities Maintenance Program, to assist First Nations throughout the Atlantic provinces with capital infrastructure projects, including water and waste water infrastructure, road construction and maintenance, and emergency management throughout the Atlantic region. Read the News Release.
• Memorandum of Understanding with Province of Nova Scotia for Emergency Services to First Nation Communities
  In Halifax, Minister Strahl announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that describes the intention of Canada and Nova Scotia to enter into a formal agreement for the provision of emergency response and recovery services in First Nations communities in Nova Scotia. Read the News Release.
• Government of Canada's Strategic Investments Support Economic Growth in Atlantic Canada
  In Halifax, Minister Strahl announced that the Government is investing $6.3 million for Aboriginal economic development projects in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. This funding is provided through INAC's Community Economic Opportunities Program. Read the News Release.

Update on Impact of Canada's Economic Action Plan – March 2010

The Government of Canada has released the fourth update in a series of reports providing a comprehensive overview of initiatives for Aboriginal and Northern communities under Canada's Economic Action Plan.  Read the Report. This report complements the Fifth Report to Canadians  , which was released as part of the 2010 Federal Budget on March 4th.

Government of Canada Takes Action to Close Legislative Gap for On Reserve Residents

On March 31st, the Government introduced in the Senate Bill S-4, the Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act. Bill S-4 seeks to provide basic rights and remedies to individuals on reserves, in the event of a relationship breakdown, and on the death of a spouse or common-law partner regarding the family home and other matrimonial interests or rights. For more information on Bill S-4, visit INAC's Matrimonial Real Property webpage. Read the News Release.

Canada Celebrates 50th Anniversary of First Nations' Right to Vote

March 31st marked the 50th anniversary of the right to vote for First Nations. Read the News Release.

Canada and U.S. Sign MOU on Aboriginal and Northern Issues

On March 29th, Canada and United States announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will lead to improved bilateral cooperation on Indigenous and northern issues. Read the News Release.

Renewed Agreement will Translate into Construction of around 340 Housing Units

On March 24th, Minister Strahl and the Government of Quebec announced the renewal of a housing agreement between the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec and the Inuit of Nunavik. Read the News Release.

Canada Introduces Proposed Legislation to Bolster Gender Equity in the Registration Provisions of the Indian Act

On March 11th, Minister Strahl introduced in the House of Commons Bill C-3, the Gender Equity in Indian Registration Act. This proposed legislation will amend the Indian Act to allow all eligible grandchildren of women who lost status as a result of marrying non-Indian men to become entitled to registration (Indian status).  The Government of Canada is making these amendments in response to an April 2009 decision by the Court of Appeal for British Columbia in the case of McIvor v. Canada. Read the News Release.

Canada Supports Major Renovation and Expansion of Innu First Nation School in Natashquan, Quebec

On March 10th, Minister Strahl announced the start of construction to renovate and expand the Uauitshitun School in the community of Natashquan, Quebec. This project was made possible thanks to an investment of $6.4 million under Canada's Economic Action Plan  . Read the News Release. 

Registration of storage tanks systems to Environment Canada before June 13, 2010

On June 13th, new requirements will come into effect under the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations.  First Nations and third party owners of tank systems on reserve should ensure that their applicable storage tank systems are registered with Environment Canada by the June 13th deadline in order to ensure continuous delivery of fuel to their communities. For more information, please consult Environment Canada's storage tank web site   or contact your INAC Regional Office.

Regional Focus: Northwest Territories

In each issue of the e-Bulletin, a different region will be highlighted in the Regional Focus section.

Government of Canada Announces Remediation of Colomac Mine Site will be an Aboriginal Joint Venture for Aboriginal Firms

On February 25th, together with Public Works and Government Services Canada, Minister Strahl announced the awarding of a contract worth approximately $19 million for remediation work at the former Colomac mine site. The remediation work is a joint venture between two Aboriginal firms. Read the News Release.

Giant Mine Dewatering Project Wins Consulting Engineers of Alberta Award: Pumping System at Giant Keeps the Mine from Flooding

On February 5th, a project designed for the Government of Canada at the Giant Mine site in Yellowknife, NWT was given an Award of Excellence at the Consulting Engineers of Alberta 2010 Showcase Awards. Presented in the Natural Resources, Mining and Industrial category, the project which was designed by AECOM Canada Ltd represents a practical solution to an ongoing challenge at the site. Read about the Giant Mines project.

Draft NWT Water Stewardship Strategy Released

In November 2009, INAC and the Government of the NWT's Department of Environment and Natural Resources released the draft NWT Water Stewardship Strategy. The Strategy's implementation plan will be key in defining the roles and responsibilities of water partners in the NWT. The final strategy document will be available in the spring after a public engagement process. Read the News Release   and the Draft Strategy    .

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