Aboriginal entrepreneurs will benefit from a federal-provincial initiative aimed at expanding business development opportunities in Prince George, British Columbia.  

Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification announced today $412,500 in federal funding to strengthen Aboriginal business support delivered by the Prince George Aboriginal Business Development Association (PGABDA). MLAs Shirley Bond, John Rustad and Pat Bell, on behalf of the Province of British Columbia, also announced a contribution of $337,500 toward the initiative.

“Local entrepreneurship is an economic driver for rural communities, and our government is pleased to invest in this initiative to provide Aboriginal business development services in the North-Central region of British Columbia,” said MP Harris. “The Government of Canada is proud to work in partnership with the Prince George Aboriginal Business Development Association to promote strong regional business growth that is supported by a diverse labour force.”

“This project is a great step toward improving the lives and economic participation of the Aboriginal community,” said Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Mt. Robson and Minister of Education.  “By working together in the spirit of the New Relationship, we can create opportunities that will benefit Prince George and foster First Nations participation in the larger regional, provincial and global economies.”

“The Aboriginal Business Development Association is a great organization that is vital to developing local entrepreneurship and economic success for our First Nation residents,” said John Rustad, MLA for Prince George-Omineca.  “This funding demonstrates our government’s strong partnership with Aboriginal people in meeting our shared goals and reaching further as a Province.”

“I’m pleased our provincial and federal governments recognize the importance of investing in the future of our First Nations,” said Pat Bell, MLA for Prince George-North and Minister of Forests and Range.  “This project will provide the tools, training and skills to reduce Aboriginal dependence and to create self-reliance and prosperity.”

This investment will allow the Prince George Aboriginal Business Development Association to improve business advisory services in the North-Central Region of the province.  Key programs include business workshops, access to capital, resource materials, and one-on-one business counselling.  These services will help Aboriginal members of the community to start and maintain successful small businesses, and will keep entrepreneurial development in the North-Central Region moving forward.

“We are pleased to see that the Federal and Provincial governments are following through on their promises to assist off reserve aboriginal development,” said Ray Gerow, President & CEO of Prince George Aboriginal Business Development Centre. “This commitment is most important now at a time when the local economy is suffering; these services will provide assistance to aboriginal clients in order to increase their participation in the economy.”

PGABDA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing business advice, referrals, support and technical assistance to Aboriginal peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) residing within the North-Central Region of B.C.  It has a strong background in the community and is well respected by both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal agencies and individuals.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia work in partnership to foster entrepreneurship initiatives, serving to strengthen and diversify the economy, and improve the quality of life in communities across B.C.

For more information, contact:

Catherine Brown
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (604) 666-1306
Cel: (604) 764-9381

Russel Lolacher
Communications Officer
B.C. Caucus
Tel: (250) 356-0389

Ray Gerow
President/CEO,
Prince George Aboriginal Business Development Association
Tel: (250) 562-6325