North Spirit Lake First Nation Constructs a New School
North Spirit Lake First Nation Logo
NORTH SPIRIT LAKE FIRST NATION, ONTARIO (May 6, 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, with the North Spirit Lake First Nation, celebrated the start of construction of the community’s new school.
“Investments in school infrastructure projects will help ensure First Nation learners have a strong and productive educational experience,” said MP Rickford. “Today’s sod turning event moves us one step closer to fulfilling the commitment that the Government of Canada made to ensure the First Nations youth attend school in a healthy environment.”
North Spirit Lake First Nation Chief Rita Thompson said, “I am pleased to see the Government of Canada delivering on its promise to strengthen education, and to provide greater hope and opportunity for the youth in this community. The new Victoria Linklater Memorial School is important to supporting student success.”
Through the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, an investment of approximately $16 million is building the new Kindergarten to Grade 9 facility that will accommodate 90 students. Construction of the school is expected to be complete in 2011.
This project is part of the $200 million for new schools and major renovations included in the $1.4 billion investment for Aboriginal peoples under Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
The Government of Canada is taking action to improve the lives of First Nation peoples and stimulate economic growth in First Nation communities through targeted infrastructure investments. Investments in school infrastructure projects will help ensure First Nation students have a strong and productive educational experience, which starts with access to quality infrastructure that is conducive to learning.
