EDMONTON: The federal government is set to invest $5.9 million to support the economic advancement of Indigenous peoples in Alberta. The funding is expected to create 375 jobs in the province for the Indigenous community, said Federal Community Resilience Minister Eleanor Olszewski at a ceremony in Edmonton to announce the funding. Olszewski also stated that Indigenous people will be meaningfully included in major projects. Her announcement comes as Prime Minister Mark Carney meets with Indigenous leaders.
Major projects to be implemented with the federal funds include $750,000 for an arts center in Fort McMurray, $810,300 for a new business hub in the Siksika Nation, $2 million to establish a gas station and electric vehicle charging station near Highway 2, and $458,250 to promote agriculture in the Blackfoot Confederacy.
Last year, the unemployment rate for Indigenous peoples in Alberta was three percent higher than for other demographics in the province.
