ACOA investments support jobs, growth and opportunities  for Indigenous communities across Atlantic Canada

As we walk the road of reconciliation together, the Government of Canada remains strongly committed to creating economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses and communities. This is especially true in Atlantic Canada, where strongly-rooted Indigenous cultures influence economic, educational and civic advances in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Today, René Arseneault, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced that the Government of Canada, through ACOA, is investing more than $6.1 million in 12 projects that support Indigenous businesses and communities across Atlantic Canada. This will help Indigenous partners to innovate, grow and play a major role in the region’s economic recovery.

Indigenous-focused initiatives supported by ACOA

New Brunswick

Buctouche Mic Mac Band                                                                                                                                                            $41,240
Expand oyster farm 

Joint Economic Development Initiative Inc.                                                                                                                        $893,915
Provide economic development services to Indigenous communities in New Brunswick

Madawaska Maliseet First Nation                                                                                                                                            $70,000
Construct snowmobile welcome center to extend tourism season

McGraw Seafoods (2008) Inc.                                                                                                                                                $2,500,000
Construct new and modern snow crab processing plant

Pêcheries Baie Chaleurs Fisheries (2012) Inc.                                                                                                                        $50,000
Hire a consultant for financial restructuring and corporate governance

Newfoundland and Labrador

Labrador Heritage Society                                                                                                                                                            $8,220
Undertake upgrades to two heritage buildings in the community of North West River and to enhance an existing trail system which connects tourism assets

Nunacor Development Corporation                                                                                                                                       $977,366
Continue operations of the NunatuKavut Business Centre (over three year period)

Ueushuk Fisheries Limited Partnership                                                                                                                                  $50,000
Support collaboration and development of business opportunities with Innu First Nation

Nova Scotia

Eskasoni Band Council                                                                                                                                                              $500,000
Add three new bays to the existing commercial complex leading to increased business, service, and, employment in the community of Eskasoni

WFN Fish Farm Limited Partnership                                                                                                                                  $1,000,000
Expansion of fish processing operation to increase production, improve productivity, and expand its product offerings along with new sales channel opportunities                                                                                                            

Prince Edward Island

Abegweit Band                                                                                                                                                                              $13,800
Support for 20/20 Renewable Energy Catalysts Program

Lennox Island Development Corporation                                                                                                                             $42,223
Support for oyster grow-out equipment

Associated Links

·         To find out more about ACOA’s programs and services, please visit the ACOA website

·         Follow us on Twitter @ACOACanada, on Facebook @ACOACanada and on LinkedIn @ACOA-APECA

·         Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter @ISED_CA

·         Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

·         Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)

·         Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)