Federal Government press release

Government of Canada and Ontario strengthen policing infrastructure in Eabametoong First Nation Funding for new police facility under First Nations Policing Program

EABAMETOONG FIRST NATION, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 14, 2014) - Public Safety Canada

Today, the Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced funding under the First Nations Policing Program (FNPP) to construct a new police facility to replace the Eabametoong detachment located in Eabametoong First Nation, a fly-in community in Ontario.

The Government of Canada committed $1.82 million for this project, and the Government of Ontario committed $1.68 million, for a total investment of $3.5 million. As part of that agreement, Ontario will invest $173.2 million over 5 years.

The FNPP provides funding to support professional, dedicated and responsive policing services for First Nations and Inuit Communities. Under the Program, the federal government provides 52 percent in funding, with the provinces and territories contributing 48 percent.

This initiative demonstrates the Government of Canada's support for First Nation and Inuit communities as part of its ongoing commitment to keeping our streets and communities safe.

Quick Facts

• In 2013, the federal government announced that it will provide $612.4 million in funding over 5 years as part of its renewed commitment to the FNPP.

• In 2013-14, the FNPP funded 172 policing agreements, which represent approximately 1,250 professionally-trained and dedicated police officers working in approximately 400 First Nations and Inuit communities, serving a total population of over 338,000.

Quotes

"I am very pleased to announce, along with the province of Ontario, funding for a new police facility for the Eabametoong First Nation. This is a wonderful initiative for Northern Ontario and one that will help improve the safety and security for all of the people in the surrounding area."

- The Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of Natural Resources and MP for Kenora

"The Government of Canada is proud to work with the province of Ontario to support this construction in the Eabametoong First Nation. This is yet another example of how, together with our partners, we continue to support the provision of dedicated, responsive, and professional policing services which lead to safer streets and resilient communities across Canada.

- The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"We are happy to see the Federal and Provincial Governments come together to assist our community in getting the police station that we absolutely need. We are confident that having the new facility will provide a renewed sense of safety and security for our community members. We especially want to thank Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Harvey Yesno and Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler for their diligent lobbying and advocacy work in moving this project forward."

- Chief Elizabeth Atlookan, Eabametoong First Nation

"Our government continues to work diligently to ensure our law enforcement partners have adequate resources through relationship-building and investments such as the one we are announcing today. We remain committed to supporting strong, safe and prosperous communities across the North and we will continue to ensure they have the level of policing that is needed in their communities."

- The Honourable Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines and MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North

"Ontario values its relationship with First Nations communities and is committed to giving police officers the tools and facilities they need to keep Ontarians safe. This new detachment will improve the working environment for officers for years to come and will help them keep the streets of the Eabametoong First Nation safe."

- The Honourable Yasir Naqvi, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Government of Ontario

Associated Links

• First Nations Policing Program

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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.

Jason Tamming
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety
and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657