October 9, 2018 – Ottawa, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
A new direct line of support is now available to assist Indigenous Peoples and communities to access, with greater ease, Government agricultural programs and services.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) offers many programs and services available to First Nations, Inuit and Métis who have projects or opportunities they would like to pursue in the agriculture and food sector, including under the new Canadian Agricultural Partnership - a five-year, $3-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governments to strengthen the sector.
The Indigenous Pathfinder is a one-on-one service which connects Indigenous Peoples with AAFC staff who will listen to project ideas and suggest next steps, discuss available agriculture-related programs, services and funding, provide referrals to an industry, trade or scientific expert and make connections with other federal, provincial and territorial support across the country to help move the idea or project to reality.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting economic development opportunities and growth by providing the right tools for Indigenous farmers and communities. The new Indigenous Pathfinder service will help connect individuals with the programs, services and information that they need to fully participate in, and benefit from, Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.”
- Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“Our government’s commitment to reconciliation includes measures to support the full economic participation of Indigenous people. The Indigenous Pathfinder service will support access to opportunities in Canada’s thriving agricultural sector by providing one-on-one support to help Indigenous communities access programs and services offered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Many Indigenous cultures have a strong social and historical connection with agriculture, and I’m confident that the service will enable the success of individuals and communities.”
- Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services
Quick facts
- The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion investment by FPT governments, which will strengthen the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector, ensuring continued innovation, growth and prosperity.
- The AgriDiversity program is a $5 million initiative to help under-represented groups in Canadian agriculture, including youth, women, Indigenous Peoples, and persons with disabilities to fully participate in the sector.
Source : Government of Canada