Quebec City, Qc – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, attended the opening ceremony of the True North Treasure Initiative today, at the 35th Québec Mines Conference. He was accompanied by the Government of Quebec's Minister for Mines, Luc Blanchette.

Minister Valcourt took the opportunity to announce a $7.3 million investment to support Aboriginal participation in the development of Northern Quebec, particularly in major mining projects in the Labrador Trough.

By facilitating the creation of partnerships, the Government of Canada's goal is to support engagement of Aboriginal communities with the private sector and governments. More particularly, the intervention components of the Initiative are aimed at developing the labour market, Aboriginal entrepreneurship and sustainable revenues.

This year, the Government of Canada is taking part in Québec Mines as an affiliated partner by holding an activity focusing on Aboriginal involvement in mining development. Minister Valcourt took the opportunity to meet with partners and beneficiaries of the True North Initiative during a round table about Aboriginal workers and employment opportunities in the mining industry.

Quick facts

• The Labrador Trough is a 60,000 km2 geological belt that extends across Quebec and Labrador north of Sept-Îles. This iron-ore belt is one of the motors of mining activity north of the 49th parallel. A number of mining companies are exploiting deposits and exploring in the region.

Quotes

"Our government is continuing to support First Nations and Inuit so that they can take advantage of economic development opportunities flowing from the exploitation of our natural resources. We are proud to have launched an initiative that encourages Aboiginal communities located near the Labrador Trough to participate fully in mining industry development in this region."

- Bernard Valcourt,
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"I am pleased that this activity is being held at Québec Mines. If we want mining development projects to be implemented in a sustainable manner, they must involve Aboriginal communities right from the start. And they must also enable as many Aboriginal people as possible to benefit from the economic opportunities resulting from these projects by working in meaningful jobs."

- Luc Blanchette,
Minister for Mines