Press Release Department: Federal - Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt (Madawaska-Resitgouche, N.B.), and Status of Women Minister Rona Ambrose (Edmonton-Spruce Grove, Alta.), announced that the government is taking further action to ensure that families living on reserve have the same rights and protections as people living off reserve when it comes to matrimonial property. Currently, provincial and … Read more

Building on the progress made during the Jan. 11, 2013 meeting between Prime Minister Stephen Harper (Calgary Southwest, Alta.) and First Nation leaders, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt (Madawaska-Resitgouche, N.B.) met with First Nation leaders to discuss improvements to Canada's Comprehensive Claims Policy, which was last updated in 1993. Valcourt and First … Read more

The Government of Canada, Government of Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) signed an historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on First Nation education. The focus of the agreement is to work collaboratively to support NAN students in reaching their full learning potential and in attaining achievement levels comparable to the general student population in Ontario. The … Read more

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt (Madawaska-Resitgouche, N.B.) was joined by Conservative MP Kelly Block (Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar, Sask.), Phyllis Sutherland, member of Manitoba's Peguis First Nation, and Colin Craig, prairie director, Canadian Taxpayers Federation, to announce that Bill C-27, the First Nations Financial Transparency Act, will be passed into law. More information is available … Read more

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt (Madawaska-Resitgouche, N.B.) accompanied by chief Robert Louie and chief Austin Bear of the First Nations Lands Advisory Board, formally welcomed eight First Nation communities into the First Nations Land Management regime. These First Nation communities can now begin the process of freeing themselves of the 34 land-related … Read more

Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) Leona Aglukkaq (Nunavut) announced that the government will make major investments in Nunavut for the construction of housing, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure as part of Economic Action Plan 2013. As part of the Building Canada Plan, Nunavut will receive at least $400 million for roads, … Read more

The Government of Canada, Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations, as well as the Council of Yukon First Nations, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support the educational success of First Nation students in the territory. The agreement focuses on sharing experiences, exchanging information and collaborating to support First Nation students. It … Read more

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt (Madawaska-Resitgouche, N.B.) joined Eel Ground chief George Ginnish, members of his Band Council, staff and students to announce funding for the design and construction of a new elementary school in the community of Eel Ground, N.B. The new school will accommodate the 94 students enrolled in the … Read more

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt (Madawaska-Resitgouche, N.B.) announced another step taken by the government to improve and accelerate the resolution of First Nation specific claims. Valcourt has increased authority to approve financial settlements, allowing Canada to conclude specific claims in a fair and timely way. In keeping with its Specific Claims Policy, Canada … Read more

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt (Madawaska-Resitgouche, N.B.) marked the passage of the Northern Jobs and Growth Act, Bill C-47, in the House of Commons. Introduced in the House on Nov. 6, 2012, the bill will now move to the Senate for consideration. The full release is available online. Call 819-997-0002.