Magnetawan receives FedNor boost.

• Author: McKinley, Karen
• Position: INDIGENOUS BUSINESS

A First Nation south of Sudbury is getting a funding boost associated with the four-laning of Highway 69 through its community.

Navdeep Bains, minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and minister responsible for FedNor, announced in a news release it is investing $45,500 to help Magnetewan First Nation identify and capitalize on any economic benefits the four-laning may bring to the reserve. A capital planning study will enable the First Nation to identify development opportunities, as well as future infrastructure and social needs.

"Our government is committed to helping First Nations maximize economic development opportunities through investments in strategic projects," stated Bains in the release. "This initiative will assist Magnetawan First Nation to determine its best investment options that will lead to sustainable growth, economic diversification and job creation."

The investment will help with information gathering, community consultation, infrastructure planning and engineering, among others.

"We would like to thank the Government of Canada for its support, through FedNor, that is helping us steer a course toward economic prosperity," said William Diabo, chief of Magnetawan...