MIDLAND — G'Nadjiwon Ki Aboriginal Tourism Association has received $293,098 under Ontario's Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program toward the acquisition and renovation of a small business centre, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs David Young announced today.

"The Eves Government is pleased to assist G'Nadjiwon Ki Aboriginal Tourism Association in promoting the development of the Aboriginal tourism industry and partnerships with area businesses in the Lake Simcoe-Georgian Bay region," said Young. Business centres foster the development of market-based economic activity, support entrepreneurial activities and provide opportunities for business development in Aboriginal communities both on and off-reserve.

The Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program is part of a coordinated framework of more than 35 government programs and services developed under the Building Aboriginal Economies strategy. The strategy was announced by the Ontario government in 1998 to strengthen self-reliance in Aboriginal communities.

"The business centre will increase the attractiveness of the region to visitors by expanding the range of Aboriginal tourism activities," said Garfield Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. "It will provide authentic Aboriginal tourism experiences in Ontario, sensitive to and consistent with the traditions and values of the Aboriginal people," he added.

"This is a project that will have a positive impact on the Aboriginal tourism industry," said Janet Ecker, Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for SuperBuild. "The Ontario government, through SuperBuild, supports initiatives that lead to job creation, a strong economy and focus on self-reliance."

The Ontario government continues to fulfil its commitment to stimulate the economy and create jobs. This investment is expected to create at least one full-time, two part-time and 25 seasonal positions through the businesses that will be housed at the centre, which is located in the town of Midland.