Government of Canada Congratulates Tobique First Nation on Opening of New Mah-Sos School

Ref. #2-3629

Taking part in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the Tobique First Nation School Feb. 21 were Mike Allen, MP, Tobique-Mactaquac, on behalf of AANDC Minister John Duncan; parents Laurie Paul, Shannon Perley and Denise Nicholas; Principal Paula Pirie; Chief Stewart Paul, and NB Lieutenant Governor Graydon Nicholas, a native of Tobique First Nation.

TOBIQUE FIRST NATION, NEW BRUNSWICK (February 21, 2012) - Mike Allen, Member of Parliament for Tobique–Mactaquac, on behalf of the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today joined Chief Stewart Paul, members of his Band Council, staff and students of the Tobique First Nation to celebrate the official opening of the new Kindergarten to grade 8 Mah-Sos school.

“The Mah-Sos school provides Tobique First Nation students a safe and healthy learning environment where they will gain skills and knowledge to help prepare them for the future,” said MP Mike Allen. “The Government of Canada is working to ensure that First Nation students have access to education that encourages them to stay in school, graduate and get the skills they need to enter the labour market.”

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) invested $10.3 million in the planning, design and construction of the new school. The 2,490 m² Kindergarten to grade 8 school has 10 classrooms and includes a technology room, a gymnasium, a music room, a library, a kitchen and a cafeteria, as well as administrative space. The facility has the capacity to accommodate up to 268 students, providing capacity and facilities for enrolment growth.

“The new Mah-Sos School is a key component in the continuing endeavour of building Tobique First Nation’s future,” said Chief Stewart Paul. “It will also contribute greatly to ensuring the survival of the Maliseet language.”

The $10.3 million investment was funded through the Government of Canada’s Building Canada plan Gas Tax Fund (GTF)   extension which allocated more than $102 million for five new First Nation schools and two major school renovation projects in the past three years.

Our Government will continue to work with First Nation partners across Canada to deliver tangible and lasting results and ensure First Nations are well-positioned to be full participants in a strong Canadian economy.

Tobique First Nation is located in northwestern New Brunswick. The community has a total population of 2,026 people, of whom 1,442 live on reserve.

For more information, please contact:

You can receive all our news and media updates automatically. Visit our Media Room RSS Feed for more information or to sign up.