McGuinty Government Supports Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation

Feb 9th, 2010 10:31 AM

New Small Business Centre Creating Economic Opportunities McGuinty Government Supports Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (Tuesday, February 9, 2010) A new small business centre in Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation is supporting the local economy and job creation. The centre was constructed to help local First Nation entrepreneurs and create employment opportunities for members of the First Nation. The 4,200 square foot small business centre is: • Creating employment opportunities in the community • Providing suitable commercial space for community businesses • Improving the economic base of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation • Strengthening existing private sector partnerships • Housing the head office of the First Nation’s new corporate forestry partnership • Creating a showcase for the unique products being produced from the new manufacturing plants to be located in Red Lake and the Eagle Lake First Nation. Tenants include Two Feathers Forest Products, WLON Distribution, Valupact Consulting, Wabigoon Lake Training and Employment Corp. and Seven Generations Educational Institute Wabigoon Campus. QUOTES “The community owns and operates some very successful businesses. A new, contemporary small business centre not only supports these current businesses, but will help foster more innovation and entrepreneurial activities, providing jobs and economic opportunity. It’s wonderful to be part of these projects and help drive success in this community.” - Chris Bentley, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs “Our community wishes to thank the province for the funding support that has helped Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation establish our new small business centre. It is rewarding to see how business development can lead to jobs and new opportunities for our community members. We are proud of each of our businesses in our community and see the small business centre as a means towards new business development in the future.” - Chief Ruben Cantin, Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation QUICK FACTS • Through its Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program, Ontario invested more than $500,000 to assist with the construction of the Wabigoon small business centre. • Since 2003, the province has helped build or renovate 20 community/business centres in partnership with First Nations and Aboriginal organizations. • Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation is located on Dinorwic Lake, 40 km east of Dryden, Ontario, and 350 km west of Thunder Bay. Media Contacts: Scott Cavan, Minister’s Office, 416-314-7395 Greg Flood, Communications Branch, 416-314-9455 ontario.ca/aboriginal-news Disponible en français