Cadieux pledges to pursue diversifying Native economics

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Native people have been instrumental in creating a strong Native economy in Canada and the federal government will help in that effort, says Indian Affairs Minister Pierre Cadieux.

Cadieux, also minister responsible for northern affairs, made his remarks during a luncheon address Sept. 26 at this year's Working Conference on Indian Economic Development held at the

Edmonton Inn.

In his speech, Cadieux said the development of the Native economy in Canada has come a long way in recent years.

"There are more Native businesses today than ever before, and there is more confidence on the part of Native enterprises," he said.

"For the past five years the government of Canada has made developing a strong and diversified Native economy a priority. It has become my personal priority, and I pledge to pursue it

vigorously," Cadieux said.

"Enhancing economic development not only restores pride and independence it creates a better quality of life in Native communities. It means meaningful and lasting employment in enterprises that

are locally-owned and operated. It means taking control of your destiny," he said.

Cadieux acknowledged that many Native communities with a strong economic base are on the path to self-government.

"Because economic development and self-government cannot prosper without the other the DIAND are in the process of giving control of the economic development initiatives and program

delivery to the Native people," he said, adding that the department of Indian Affairs will assist Native people to deliver their own economic development programs.

Cadieux said the Canadian Aboriginal Economic Development strategy announced on June 12 is a long-term commitment to aboriginal economic development.

Under that program, Indian Affairs will administer $475 million to help Native communities gain access to training, jobs, and commercial opportunities. Its aim is to support community economic

development services and to encourage access to natural resource development.

Royalty revenues from the production of oil and gas on reserve lands have generated $2 billion in the past 10 years and with the potential in mineral resources and forestry, the department plans to

assist Native communities to negotiate access to resources, said Cadieux.

The department will also assist in captivating developers to invest in community-owned resources.

Cadieux encouraged Native communities not to restrict their outlook to the resource sector saying there are many prospects for Native Economic Development in other sectors of the economy as

well.