Government of Canada Announces Two New Schools for Lac Seul and Cat Lake First Nations

CAT LAKE FIRST NATION, ONTARIO, Jul 14 (MARKET WIRE)
--
The Government of Canada is helping to build two new schools to help
ensure members of the Lac Seul and Cat Lake First Nations have access to
quality learning environments. The Government's $33-billion Building
Canada Plan
(http://www.buildingcanada-chantierscanada.gc.ca/plandocs/booklet-livret/booklet
livret-eng.html)
has made this investment possible.

"We are continuing to make strong investments in projects like these two
new schools, which will provide lasting, sustainable benefits for First
Nation communities," said the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian
Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and
Non-Status Indians. "We recognize the talent and potential in First
Nations youth and believe that investing in a quality education is the
key to success."

The school for the Lac Seul First Nation will be a new
kindergarten-to-grade eight facility accommodating approximately 112
students. Construction will get underway in the fiscal year 2009-2010,
and is expected to be finished in September 2011. The Lac Seul First
Nation is located 15 kilometres west of Sioux Lookout.

Lac Seul First Nation Chief Clifford Bull said, "This new school will
improve the educational outcomes for our community's students and
represents hope for our young people, who will one day be our leaders."

The Government of Canada is also investing in the construction of a new
school in the Cat Lake First Nation. This kindergarten to grade eight
facility will accommodate approximately 138 students. Construction is
scheduled for 2011, and is expected to be complete by September 2012. The
Cat Lake First Nation is located approximately 179 kilometres north of
Sioux Lookout.

"This new school will provide a sound educational environment for
promoting the well being of Aboriginal students and helping them achieve
and excel in every aspect of their learning," added Chief Mathew
Keewaykapow of Cat Lake First Nation.

In Budget 2007, the Government of Canada took steps to augment
infrastructure programming across Canada through the creation of the $33
billion Building Canada Plan, including an $8-billion extension to the
Gas Tax Fund (GTF). An extension to the GTF this year allocates
approximately $102 million for school construction in First Nations
communities over a three-year period, beginning in 2009-2010 and ending
in 2011-2012.

"This announcement is so very important for the communities of Lac Seul
and Cat Lake," said Greg Rickford, MP for Kenora. "Our Government
recognizes the importance of education in First Nations communities and
we are delivering on our promises to improve the lives of Aboriginal
Canadians."

These schools are two of eight new schools or school renovation projects
funded through the Building Canada Plan. These projects are in addition
to the 10 new schools and three major school renovation projects already
announced this year under Canada's Economic Action Plan
(http://www.budget.gc.ca/2009/home-accueil-eng.asp).

Project costs will be identified following the competitive tendering
process.

This news release and backgrounders are also available on the Internet
at: www.inac-ainc.gc.ca.

Contacts:
Minister's Office
Nina Chiarelli
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
819-997-0002

INAC Media Relations
819-953-1160

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