T'Sou-ke Nation, BC — Indigenous Services Canada - The Government of Canada is working in partnership with First Nations to support community-driven economic development opportunities and growth in Indigenous communities.
Today, the Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced $988,637 in funding which enabled the first phase of the construction of a gas station, convenience store and Tim Hortons restaurant on T'Sou-ke Indian Reserve No. 1. The completed project creates jobs and new business opportunities for the community and its members.
This project is a T'Sou-ke Nation initiative to create economic development on reserve. Departmental funds were used for site clearing, the construction of a water distribution and storm sewer system, road work, electrical work, and related inspections.
Funding was provided in 2017-18 through the Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP) of Indigenous Services Canada. CORP funding helps First Nations and Inuit communities develop business plans, expand existing Indigenous-led businesses, and launch new Indigenous-led start-ups.
In 2018-19, the Government of Canada provided almost $1.6 million of CORP funding to 14 First Nations in British Columbia. Budget 2019 is proposing to invest a further $78.9 million over five years, starting in 2019-20, with $15.8 million per year ongoing, to support First Nation and Inuit community-owned businesses and the construction of community economic infrastructure.
Source : Government of Canada