Government of Canada Highlights Webequie First Nation Contract Awarding for the Construction of a New Diesel Generating Station

WEBEQUIE FIRST NATION, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 25, 2010) - Greg Rickford, Member of Parliament for Kenora, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today announced that the Webequie First Nation has awarded the contract for its new 1.0 megawatt diesel generating station.

"Our Government believes investing in a reliable generating plant is fundamental for building strong and self-reliant First Nation communities," said MP Rickford. "This is a concrete example of action taken and real progress made to create jobs and improve the quality of life for First Nations in Ontario."

"Sustainable and reliable electrical generation is crucial to the future economic growth and development opportunities for the community of Webequie," stated Chief Wabasee. "It is vital to improving our self reliance. We are proud of this achievement."

The Government of Canada invested approximately $16.4 million in core capital funding for the facility to meet current and future electrical needs of Webequie First Nation. Mobilization of materials to the First Nation is expected to occur in 2010 using the winter road. Construction will commence in the spring of 2010. The new facility will have three generator machine bays, a waste storage and mechanical room and a main control room. The site for the facility is located near the airport and will include an access road, step-up transformers and bulk fuel storage tank facility.

The Webequie First Nation is located on the northern peninsula of Eastwood Island on Winisk Lake, 540 kilometres north of the City of Thunder Bay, or 450 kilometres north of the Town of Sioux Lookout.

The Government of Canada is investing in projects that provide lasting, sustainable benefits for First Nation communities.

This release is also available on the Internet at www.inac.gc.ca

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