Native trucking company receives $35,000 gift

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WINNIPEG - A $35,000 contribution under the Native Economic Development Program for the expansion of a Native-owned trucking enterprise in Nova Scotia has been announced by Lawrence O'Neil, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton Highlands-Canso. The contribution which represents 59 per cent of eligible costs was made to Edward Googoo from the Whycocomagh Reserve in Nova Scotia. Mr. Googoo has operated his trucking and earth-moving business with his son for the past six years. The expansion which includes the purchase of a 20 ton tandem truck, a bulldozer and a low bed trailer, will enable the family-owned business to carry out larger jobs and increase the number of contracts on and off the reserve.

"This NEDP contribution is an example of how the federal government is assisting the establishment and expansion of Native-owned enterprise across Canada," Mr. O'Neil said.

Mr. O'Neil said the NEDP has approved assistance to more than 115 Native-owned business projects in the past couple of years for a total value exceeding $54 million.