Economic development targeted by feds

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Indian Affairs has issued a flurry of announcements over the past month regarding its funding of business projects of Alberta First Nations companies.

Indian Affairs Minister Robert Nault has approved $80,000 to assist Loon River Cree Contractors Ltd., owned by the Loon River First Nation, to diversify its business, which includes equipment leasing, road construction, seismic line clearing and cleaning, crude oil transportation, road maintenance, meter reading, cat services and water hauling. The company will purchase of a Caterpillar-hoe that is equipped for enhanced fire fighting. The First Nation will also contribute $80,000 to the $400,000 project.

The Samson Cree First Nation will get $100,000 towards building a convenience store on reserve. The total cost is estimated at $717,000, of which the First Nation will contribute $217,000.

Logging operations of the Tallcree First Nation will expand through a $470,000 project that includes lease of a logging camp and the purchase of equipment. The federal government will chip in $100,000.

The federal government has earmarked another $100,000 toward the earthwork contracting operations of the O'Chiese First Nation. The money will go to purchase a bulldozer. The band has a $622,000 project to clear oil and gas exploration sites, roads and well sites.

Primco Dene Catering Ltd, owned b the Cold Lake First Nation, will use the $100,000 it gets from the federal government for provision of camp and catering services to the Alberta Energy Company at the Foster Creek steam assisted gravity drainage project. Primco Dene has also negotiated contracts to add emergency medical transport units, courier, fuel supply and security services to operations, a $387,000 project.