Rural Economic Development (RED) Program

For Immediate Release

May 6, 2008

Community Partners Building Reliable Power

McGuinty Government Supports First Nation Standby Power Project

Ontario is helping Niigon Technologies and the Schad Foundation install a new standby generator and an Uninterruptible Power System at Moose Deer Point First Nation.

The province is investing $500,000 in the Standby Power Project to help Niigon, which is owned by Moose Deer Point First Nation, make electrical power issues a thing of the past. The new power supply will help avoid power interruptions and provide improved opportunities for
business growth in the area.

Launched in 2000, Niigon Technologies is a world class injection molding facility that manufactures computer, electronics, automotive and medical components for companies across North America. Any dividends paid by Niigon are directed to a Trust Fund set up to invest in social, environment, wellness and infrastructure projects on the First Nation.

The funding is part of the Rural Economic Development Program which invests in communitybased projects in three priority areas:

• Improved access to health care services


• Revitalized communities and downtowns


• Enhanced skills training

Quotes

“This project will lead to the retention of 13 full-time positions and a $28 million investment in the community. The new power supply will ensure long-term viability for Niigon and Moose Deer Point First Nation,” said Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

“Having a reliable power supply is vital to achieving increased competitiveness and long-term economic development,” said Michael Bryant, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. “Through this funding, Niigon and Moose Deer Point First Nation can now sustain productivity, which will mean more money and resources for their community.”

“Because of our remote location, power problems cut into productivity and get in the way of around-the-clock operation,” said Chief Barron King. “Higher productivity will mean more money reinvested in social, environmental, wellness and infrastructure projects within our community.”

“In many ways, Niigon is already a success story that serves as an example of what’s possible if we all work together,” said Robert Schad, Founder of The Schad Foundation. “And there is much more we can do. We are proud to support an initiative that will help Moose Deer Point First Nation to further revitalize its local economy and community.”

Quick Facts

• Since 2003, Ontario has invested $50 million in 158 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program.


• The new standby generator will mean a reliable power source for Niigon, which could help it double its annual revenues, meaning additional benefits for the First Nation.

Contacts:
Kelly Synnott
Minister's Office
416-326-6439

Brent Ross
Communications Branch
416-326-9342

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