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For Immediate Release
July 20, 2002

News Release

New Community Centre for Thunder Bay Aboriginal Organization

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KENORA – The Ontario government is providing $300,000 to the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) toward the acquisition and renovation of a community centre in Thunder Bay, Frank Mazzilli, Parliamentary Assistant to the Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs announced today at the Métis Nation of Ontario's Annual General Assembly.

"Ontario is pleased to assist the Métis Nation of Ontario improve their community facilities which will result in expanded social and economic programs," said Mazzilli on behalf of the Minister Responsible for Native Affairs David Young. "This community centre will provide a facility that is large enough to meet the needs of new and existing programs including the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centre Initiatives Office and the Computer Training Program."

Community centres provide a delivery point for vital services and activities that are essential for economically healthy and self-reliant communities. This investment is expected to enable the MNO to amalgamate all programs and services in the Thunder Bay area under one roof.

Funding is provided through the Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program, part of a coordinated framework of more than 35 government programs and services developed under the Building Aboriginal Economies strategy. The strategy was announced by the Ontario government in 1998 to strengthen Aboriginal self-reliance.

"This community centre is truly a focal point," said Janet Ecker, Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for SuperBuild. "The Ontario government, through SuperBuild, supports initiatives that emphasize benefits to communities and good value for money."

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Ron Ross
Minister's Office
416-326-4429