Funding will help communities, support entrepreneurs, attract talent, and build a skilled workforce right here in Alberta
Rural and Indigenous communities, entrepreneurs, and businesses across the Prairies play a key role in contributing to Canada's economic strength while supporting high quality jobs. The Government of Canada is making targeted investments in locally led initiatives that support economic reconciliation while enabling rural prosperity.
Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced more than $5.9 million for seven projects across Alberta to help communities strengthen rural employers and expand economic development opportunities.
The seven projects include:
- Supporting Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) to build Indigenous-led Community Atlases-data platforms to assist communities with industry consultations, land use, decision-making on industrial projects, and land reclamation. It is receiving $1 million.
- Funding for Siksika Nation to establish a new business resource centre and deliver programming to entrepreneurs. They are receiving $810,300.
- Enabling the County of Grande Prairie and the Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce to launch Work Northwest Alberta - a collaborative partnership and regional approach to attract, retain, and develop a skilled workforce. They are receiving $689,000.
- Helping Arts Council Wood Buffalo to transform a vacant Fort McMurray property into a large-scale arts incubator, supporting local artisans and hands-on community learning. It is receiving $750,000.
- Funding for AKSIS - Edmonton Indigenous Business and Professional Association to develop and operate the AKSIS Indigenous Resource Centre to provide resources, networking opportunities, and support to Indigenous entrepreneurs-as well as deliver cultural awareness workshops to strengthen the community of non-Indigenous allies in Edmonton. It is receiving $200,000.
- The Rural Routes to Climate Solutions Society will support the Blackfoot Confederacy to adopt regenerative agriculture practices, which align with cultural protocols, by launching a program to promote agribusiness. They are receiving $458,250.
- Support Bear Hills Gas Station to develop a 2,000 square foot travel centre that includes fuel and electric vehicle (EV) refueling as well as a convenience store as part of a Louis Bull Tribe economic development initiative in Maskwacis. It is receiving $2 million.
