Statement by Minister Strahl on the First Nations Technical Institute

"The Government of Canada has been providing funding to FNTI since 1984. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) remains committed to working with FNTI to help it evolve into a fully self-sufficient, sustainable educational institution.

"Today, I am announcing a supplementary one-time contribution of $528,121 for the current school year. This commitment from our government will help to ensure that students will be able to complete their semester. This is the third consecutive year that additional funding has been made available to FNTI. With this latest supplementary one-time contribution, INAC has provided FNTI with more than $2 million for the 2007-2008 school year.

"Our government is working with FNTI officials to seek alternative funding sources such as the private sector, the Ontario government, the business community and alumni. We are also encouraging FNTI to develop a sustainable business plan which will enable them to provide high quality courses to First Nations students.

"I would like to thank Prince Edward - Hastings MP Daryl Kramp for the leadership he has shown, on behalf of our government, as we move towards FNTI becoming fully self-sufficient and sustainable."

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