MINISTERS TO VISIT COMMUNITIES ON EAST SIDE OF LAKE WINNIPEG

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Meetings to Update Communities on Progress, Seek Input: Struthers

Conservation Minister Stan Struthers and eight other ministers will visit 16 First Nations communities on the east side of Lake Winnipeg over the next few months to provide an update on various initiatives based on the report Promises to Keep and to hear the input and views of community members.

 

The Promises to Keep report contains community recommendations that were put forward to the government as a result of east side community meetings held in the spring of 2004. The recommendations range from the protection of traditional lands to transportation, sustainable economic development and employment and training opportunities.

 

“We are very pleased to be hosting these community round tables to hear the views and concerns of residents,” said Struthers. “We have an important partnership with the communities on the east side and believe they should continue to have a strong voice in decisions regarding the future of the region.” 

 

Manitoba ministers travelling to the communities are Struthers, Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport Minister Eric Robinson, Science, Technology, Energy and Mines Minister Jim Rondeau, Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Ron Lemieux, Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Oscar Lathlin, Finance Minister Greg Selinger, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Steve Ashton, Healthy Living Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross and Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Rosann Wowchuk.

 

“Much progress has been made on the report Promises to Keep, such as new economic development and training opportunities and improved transportation infrastructure including work beginning on an all-weather road,” said Robinson. “These meetings will ensure community members are informed of this progress and can provide important feedback.”

 

Meetings in the communities will begin Feb. 15.

 

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