Strengthening Moose Cree First Nation

McGuinty Government Creates Jobs and Improves Community's Economic Outlook

News
Ontario is creating jobs and strengthening the economy of Moose Cree First Nation by investing in a new small business and youth centre.

Situated beside the local high school, the John R. Delaney Small Business and Youth Opportunity Centre will help small business grow and provide space for both on and off-reserve youth to participate in specialized programs and to initiate small business ventures. Ontario is providing over $2.1 million toward construction of the $3.1 million facility.

Moose Cree First Nation expects nearly $3 million in economic spin-offs over a 10-year period as a direct result of construction of the new complex. The benefits include opportunities for capital investment, income, and employment opportunities. Building the complex will create about 25 jobs in the community during the construction phase of the project and 10 new positions once the centre begins operating.

Complete with a fitness room and snack bar/lounge, the complex will have 16 offices to be shared equally by businesses, community organizations and youth entrepreneurship programs.

Quotes
"We know economic development is a key element leading to improved quality of life," said Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Brad Duguid. "The McGuinty government is pleased to help Moose Cree First Nation in their efforts to create opportunities to expand their economic potential."

"While the new facility will be a resource for all local businesses, it is especially aimed at helping young people gain the know-how to start their own businesses in their own community," said Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle, who also chairs the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.

"This new centre will provide youth with the skills and opportunities they need to start successful small businesses right in their own communities," said Ontario Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Minister Leona Dombrowsky.

"This centre is an important component to improving our community's economy and we are pleased to have the Ontario government as a partner in this initiative," said Moose Cree First Nation Chief Norm Hardisty.

Quick Facts

Ontario has approved investments of $882,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, $750,000 through Ontario's Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program and $500,542 through the Rural Economic Development Program.
So far in 2008-09, through the Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program, the government of Ontario has approved $3.3 million in new projects.
The First Nation has a membership of 3,562 with 1,531 living on the reserve. Most off-reserve members live on provincial land on Factory Island or in Moosonee.

Learn More
Rural Economic Development (RED) Program

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation

Scott Cavan, Minister's Office, 416-314-7395
Michel Payen-Dumont, Communications Branch, 416-314-9455
Anne-Marie Flanagan, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, Minister's Office, 416-327-0655
Chris Green, Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ministry, Minister's Office, 416-326-3072