Winnipeg, Manitoba (February 3, 2012) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, the Honourable Eric Robinson, Manitoba Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, and Bloodvein First Nation Chief Roland Hamilton announced today an investment for the construction of an access road that will connect the First Nation to the province’s all-season road network.

The project, which will link the Bloodvein First Nation to an all-season road currently being constructed by the Government of Manitoba on the east side of Lake Winnipeg, is expected to create 30 new jobs, provide skills training for community members and generate revenue for the First Nation. Upon completion of this essential infrastructure, the Bloodvein First Nation will be able to explore additional business opportunities along the all-season road corridor.

The Government of Canada is contributing $2.67 million to the project, the Government of Manitoba’s East Side Road Authority is contributing $830,000 and the Bloodvein First Nation is investing $390,000.

“The Government of Canada is committed to improving infrastructure in remote communities,” said the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. “This road will provide vital access to Bloodvein First Nation and allow the community to benefit from economic opportunities and more jobs for years to come.”

“This announcement is one example of how our Government is working with First Nations and other partners to create jobs and economic growth,” said the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety and Regional Minister for Manitoba. “This vital link to the province’s all-season road network will have long-term economic and social benefits for the Bloodvein First Nation and surrounding communities.”

“Building an all-season road network to connect communities east of Lake Winnipeg is the single biggest economic development opportunity in the history of this region,” said the Honourable Eric Robinson, Manitoba Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs. “Our government is pleased to partner with the federal government and Bloodvein First Nation to build this critical link that will provide local residents with everything from training and jobs to more affordable food and access to services other Manitobans take for granted.”

The East Side Road Authority is also providing an additional $15 million in contracts to the First Nation through a Community Benefits Agreement to assist with construction of the east side road network. In addition, construction of the all-season road and bridges on Bloodvein traditional territory will generate further jobs and economic development opportunities, including $106 million in contracts over the next five years.

“We have been waiting for a long time for this, and we are excited to have access to the East Side Road,” said Chief Roland Hamilton. “It is where the jobs are right now, and it will benefit anyone wanting to come in and out of the community with reduced costs and waiting times. This project shows that with the Province, the federal government and the community working together, things can get done.”

Federal funding will support the planning, design and construction of the 2.5 km access road through Canada’s Community Economic Opportunity Program (CEOP).