Government of Canada congratulates the community of the Algonquins of Barriere Lake on various infrastructure projects

January 23, 2019 — Rapid Lake, traditional Algonquin territory, Quebec — Indigenous Services Canada

Canada is committed to working together with First Nations communities to invest in building and upgrading on-reserve infrastructure to support the well-being of their residents.

Today, Dan Vandal, Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface—Saint Vital and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services, and Casey Ratt, Chief of the Algonquins of Barriere Lake, together announced funding for two major infrastructure projects in the community.

This spring, the residents of Barriere Lake will have a brand new wastewater pumping station, as well as a residence to house Kitiganik primary school teachers who come from outside the community.

The Government of Canada has invested over $1.1 million in these projects and the Algonquins of Barriere Lake Band Council contributed an additional $300 000. These investments will allow the community to benefit from new, safe and reliable facilities and will also make it easier to recruit and retain teaching staff.

Quotes

“I welcome the announcement of these two projects, whose positive benefits will soon be felt throughout the community. Improving infrastructure in First Nations communities is a priority for our government, and we are very proud to work together with the Algonquins of Barriere Lake to implement sustainable solutions tailored to their needs.”

The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services

“I am very pleased that Barriere Lake residents will soon benefit from modern, reliable infrastructure that will help improve the First Nation’s well-being. I also commend the efforts of the community, which has already begun construction.”

Dan Vandal
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services

“Sharing good news about major infrastructure investments in the community of Rapid Lake is so important to constituents across Pontiac, both indigenous and non-indigenous. This is an important step towards better relations between the Crown and the Algonquin of Barriere Lake.”

William Amos
Member of Parliament for Pontiac

“We appreciate the investments made for the new waste water station and the teacher’s residence. At the same time, we are also looking forward to continuing working with Canada regarding much needed community development.”

Casey Ratt
Chief of the Algonquins of Barriere Lake

Quick facts

• The community of the Algonquins of Barriere Lake, which has approximately 590 residents, is located 134 kilometres north of Maniwaki, on the shores of the Cabonga Reservoir.
• Indigenous Services Canada provided $615,000 to replace the wastewater pumping station and $530,000 to build the new residence for Kitiganik primary school teachers. The Algonquins of Barriere Lake Band Council invested $300,000 in the latter project.

Associated links

• Budget 2016 Highlights – Indigenous and Northern Investments
• Investing in First Nations community infrastructure
• Profile of the Algonquins of Barriere Lake First Nation

Contacts

For more information, media may contact

Rachel Rappaport
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan
Minister of Indigenous Services
819-934-2796

Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
819-953-1160
SAC.media.ISC@canada.ca

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