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Winnipeg Partnership Agreement invests over $2.5 million in projects that contribute to a vibrant, prosperous and healthy Winnipeg
The governments of Canada, Manitoba and Winnipeg today announced over $2.5 million in funding under the tri-level Winnipeg Partnership Agreement (WPA). The investment made today will support 32 projects that focus on Aboriginal participation, downtown renewal, and supporting technology and innovation.
Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board, the Honourable Scott Smith, Manitoba Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade, and Winnipeg's Mayor Sam Katz made the announcement.
"We want our cities and communities to be the best in the world - desirable destinations for travelers, immigrants or investors, while being a great place to choose to call home here in Manitoba," said Minister Alcock. "For all cities and communities, the New Deal is about developing a vision of where they - and our country - will be in 30 years and how to get there from here."
"Studies have shown cities that prosper and thrive have diverse populations, state of the art technology and excellent recreational opportunities," said Minister Smith. "These projects foster that ideal and will help Winnipeg stay on top as a strong capital for Manitoba."
"The projects we are announcing today are a great example of the diversity and flexibility this unique partnership offers," said Mayor Katz. "I want to acknowledge all of our partners for their support for these projects which will help make our city a better place to live."
This investment contributes to continued efforts to ensure Winnipeg is a vibrant, healthy and prosperous city. These projects will position Winnipeg as a western Canadian leader in implementing a wireless-enabled service that will provide wireless connectivity throughout the downtown core.
Efforts are also being made to ensure that Winnipeg supports new technology-based businesses as well as leveraging support to build on the innovative proteomic, genomic and bioinformatics research and development communities.
The WPA also strongly supports neighbourhood-driven revitalization projects that are designed by the people living in the community. The same is true of projects designed by community organizations that better address the needs of urban Aboriginals in order to integrate cultural, social and economic traditions for a stronger social fabric in Winnipeg.
The Winnipeg Partnership Agreement was signed in May 2004. Community consultations are ongoing to develop the component programs. Interested parties are encouraged to consult the web site at http://www.winnipegpartnership.mb.ca/ for program details.
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is the federal department responsible for administering this agreement, including coordinating funding on behalf of the Government of Canada's Urban Aboriginal Strategy.
Federal funding for this initiative is included in the fiscal framework.
(Note to editors: please refer to the attached backgrounder for project descriptions)
For additional information, contact:
Mark Gale
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (204) 983-0789
Graham Gork
Communications Coordinator
Communications Services Manitoba
(204) 945-5795
Brad Salyn
Press Secretary
Office of the Mayor
City of Winnipeg
(204) 986-4003
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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Backgrounder
Wireless Feasibility Study/Pilot Project – $65,000 in WPA Funding
The University of Winnipeg, Red River College, and the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development are partnering to develop Learning Computer and Information Technology Infrastructure (LearningCITI). This partnership unifies educational opportunities among these downtown educational hubs. The pilot will provide wireless Internet service to the student populations of all three campuses.
Contact: Kathryn Unruh
Phone: 786-9872
SmartPark Business Incubator Assessment – $36,000 in WPA Funding
Incubat, located at SmartPark at the University of Manitoba, provides transition space, management expertise and resources for the successful development of information and communication technology and biotechnology start-up companies.
Contact: John Danakas
Phone: 474-8551
Develop genomics and proteomics capacity in Winnipeg – $189,750 in WPA Funding
Although Winnipeg has developed significant specialized resources and facilities in proteomics and genomics, it has not successfully leveraged them into major grant awards. Bridging the gap between capabilities and access to major funding is important. A study will be commissioned to identify and leverage the resources, assets and facilities, which will be the strategic foundation to building a dynamic proteomic, genomic and bioinformatics research and development community in Winnipeg. Funding will also contribute to the development of Genome Canada.
Contact: John Danakas
Phone: 474-8551
Aboriginal Teaching Assistant Pilot Project - $92, 800 in WPA Funding
The Aboriginal Teacher Assistant Pilot Project is a collaborative effort among the Urban Circle Training Centre Inc., Winnipeg School Division, Dufferin School and The Winnipeg Foundation's Centennial Neighbourhood Project. Five Aboriginal candidates will have work placements and be provided teacher mentors to facilitate a supportive learning environment.
Contact: Eleanor Thompson
Phone: 589-4433 ext 224
Aboriginal Youth Leadership Initiative - $42,100 in WPA Funding
Delivered by The Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Career Awareness Committee, the objective of this initiative is to improve the social, economic and personal prospects of urban Aboriginal youth aged 15 to 24. Participants will be encouraged to consider early career planning, staying in school educational attainment, while developing leadership skills and cross-cultural awareness.
Contact: Ron Castel
Phone: 775-7475
Graffiti Art Programming Inc. - $73,809 in WPA Funding
Graffiti Art Programming (GAP) uses art as a vehicle to address the social, educational, vocational and economic needs of at-risk youth. As an alternative to graffiti "vandalism," GAP provides youth with a chance to acquire art abilities, creatively express themselves, and develop self-esteem and employable skills as wall muralists, faux finishers, or any other commercial applications.
Contact: Steve Wilson
Phone: 667-9960
Four Nations Urban Support Services Program - $28,600 in WPA Funding
Delivered by Four Arrows Regional Health Authority Inc., the goal of this program is to act as a liaison for Island Lake First Nation members living in Winnipeg by providing a link to services that promote physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. As well, urban members will be provided with professional direction for obtaining housing, transportation, and access to other social services.
Contact: Clarence McDougall
Phone: 947-0932
Aboriginal Youth Housing Renovation Project - $148,383 in WPA Funding
This project offers Aboriginal young offenders the opportunity to learn renovation and construction skills while also helping to revitalize Winnipeg's North end neighbourhoods.
Contact: Lawrence Deane
Phone: 668-8160 ext 35
Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Career Awareness Committee Internship - $45,550 in WPA Funding
Since 1987, Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Career Awareness Committee (MAYCAC) volunteers have been working to promote and provide career awareness information and employment opportunities for Aboriginal high school students. The primary goal of this project is to provide Aboriginal youth, educators and potential employers with an accessible central point of contact for information and access to career awareness, planning information and opportunities.
Contact: Ernest Muswagon
Phone: 775-7475
Aboriginal Centre of Winnipeg Sound & Acoustic Refurbishment and Air Quality Upgrades - $363,419 in WPA Funding
The Aboriginal Centre of Winnipeg Inc. (ACW) requires ventilation and air conditioning systems upgrades and changes to address the sounds issues associated with new technology that affects use of the historic rotunda. Systems improvements will enhance the social aspects of the Aboriginal Centre, and also provide an economic benefit by enhancing the centre's potential as a venue for paid events.
Contact: Bill Shead
Phone: 792-8459
Metis Cultural Centre - $35,750 in WPA Funding
The Metis Club of Winnipeg Inc. intends to continue to foster the development of community role models; provide skills development and education training; promote intergenerational communication that will transfer the skills and knowledge of elders; transfer community cultural knowledge; encourage community awareness and personal development through activities; and involve Aboriginal organizations in the development of the North End community.
Contact: Kevin Chief
Phone: 471-1611
Capacity Building - $10,000 in WPA Funding
Li Shmaen Neu intends to be the primary resource for Metis women and children seeking information. This project also includes research to identify and evaluate data on the specific capacity building needs of the Winnipeg Metis community and the resources available to support these needs.
Contact: Doris Hayden
Phone: 334-0990
Capacity for Change: Aboriginal Women Reclaiming Their Power - $30,474 in WPA Funding
Mother of Red Nations Women's Council of Manitoba Inc. (MORN) will hire a Community Development Facilitator who will assist Aboriginal women facing personal and family difficulties and crises. The Facilitator will also create a work plan to develop an Aboriginal Woman's Resource Centre that will assist Aboriginal women who are transitioning to Winnipeg from rural and reserve communities.
Contact: Katherine Morrisseau-Sinclair
Phone: 942-6676
Expanding the Capacity to Serve - $10,000 in WPA Funding
Native Women's Transition Centre will hire a program developer who will identify potential partners and resources required to create a formal network of training and skills transference regarding cultural awareness and understanding of trauma related to inter-generational residential school syndrome. This knowledge sharing between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal agencies will lead to more accessible and culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal women.
Contact: Lucille Bruce
Phone: 989-8240
Ndinawe Youth Resource Centre and One-Time Capital Purchase - $80,000 in WPA Funding
Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc. operates a multi-service Youth Resource Centre. Funding is in support of a one-time purchase of a kiln, two potter's wheels, and supplies for pottery to complement existing recreation activities. Additional funding will support youth who are struggling on their own or with families by providing them with alternatives that will lead to independence, sustainability and a sense of success in their lives.
Contact: Sonia Prevost-Derbecker
Phone: 586-2588
Youth Life Management and Employment Business Plan - $10,000 in WPA Funding
The Winnipeg Metis Association is developing a business plan that will meet the needs of Metis youth in Winnipeg that includes seeking input and ideas from Metis youth in Winnipeg.
Contact: Ron Chartrand
Phone: 589-4327
Restoring the Sacred II - $100,000 in WPA Funding
Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc.'s project, Restoring the Sacred II, will establish a student buddy support service to provide mentorship and support services to Aboriginal youth who relocate to Winnipeg to attend high school. The project's goal is to improve high school graduation rates among Aboriginal students.
Contact: Leslie Spillett
Phone: 953-5820
Financial Support – Oyate Tipi Cumini Yape - $49,191 in WPA Funding
Oyate Tipi has acquired the former Bank of Montreal building on Selkirk Avenue and McGregor Street. This funding will help begin operations and provide services to Aboriginal people.
Contact: Annetta Armstrong
Phone: 589-2218
Wahbung Facility Construction - $65,000 in WPA Funding
Wahbung Abinoonjiiag Inc. is Ojibwa for Children of Tomorrow. Wahbung provides high quality, culturally appropriate healing supports for Aboriginal children who have been directly or indirectly affected by violence in their immediate families. The programs work to support both the children and their mothers, who have left abusive relationships. This project will assist in the completion of a new facility enabling Wahbung to increase their capacity to support children.
Contact: Belinda VandenBroeck
Phone: 925-4610
Residential School Healing Initiative - $4,850 in WPA Funding
This is the fourth gathering open to former students, their families, governments, churches and anyone who wishes to join in the healing of all nations. It is a whole day event at the Forks with a sunrise ceremony and a "Letting Go" ceremony.
Contact: Belinda VandenBroeck
Phone: 925-4610
WASAC Program - $30,000 in WPA Funding
This program is designed to provide opportunity for Aboriginal children, youth and adults to participate in sport and recreation activities within a culturally sensitive environment. Programs include Summer Kids Camps, Fort Whyte Summer Kids Camps, Outdoor Adventures Program, Little Moose Hockey Program, Learn to Swim Program, Aboriginal Slo Pitch League, and Ball Hockey League.
Contact: Tim Fergus
Phone: 986-3618
Turtle Island Rec Centre Neighbourhood – $60,000 in WPA Funding
Funding provided for Aboriginal focused recreation programs at the Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre in Winnipeg's inner city. Programs include aquatics, children and youth, family programs, and free swim and skate programs.
Contact: Tim Fergus
Phone: 986-3618
Freight House Recreation Programs - $55,000 in WPA Funding
This program provided funding for Aboriginal focused recreation programs at the Freight House Leisure Centre and Outdoor Pool in Winnipeg's inner city. Programs include aquatics, children and youth, family programs, and free swim and skate programs.
Contact: Tim Fergus
Phone: 986-3618
Magnus Eliason Recreation Programs - $160,745 in WPA Funding
This program supports Aboriginal focused recreation programs at the Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre in Winnipeg's inner city. Programs include aquatics, children and youth, family programs, and free swim and skate programs.
Contact: Tim Fergus
Phone: 986-3618
Aboriginal Internship - $15,000 in WPA Funding
The Aboriginal Internship program is designed for use in all city departments to increase Aboriginal representation in the civic workforce. Through the internship, Aboriginal students or graduates are given the opportunity to use their academic studies in professional or technology disciplines to gain valuable work experience.
Contact: Jackie Halliburton
Phone: 986-4603
Inner City Wading Pool Programs - $200,000 in WPA Funding
Funding supported wading pool programs for children in the inner city at facilities where Aboriginal participation is higher than 60 per cent.
Contact: Tim Fergus
Phone: 986-3618
Aboriginal Focused Free Play Programming for Children at Inner City Facilities - $225,000 in WPA Funding
This project supported free play drop-in programs for children in the inner city where the majority of participants are Aboriginal. Children from the ages of 6-12 years old can participate in a variety of leisure activities at no charge.
Contact: Tim Fergus
Phone: 986-3618
Aboriginal Focused Youth Action Centres in Winnipeg's Core Area - $225,000 in WPA Funding
An Aboriginal Services Initiative that continues funding for free drop-in programs for youth (Youth Action Centres) in the inner city where the majority of participants are Aboriginal. Youth aged 10-18 years participate in a variety of leisure activities at no charge.
Contact: Tim Fergus
Phone: 986-3618
Aboriginal Cultural Training - $20,000 in WPA Funding
With participation from the Aboriginal community, training was provided for civic employees to increase awareness, understanding and respect for Aboriginal people. The ultimate goal is to create a workforce that values and respects Aboriginal culture and also assists in attracting, hiring and retaining Aboriginal people, while at the same time, providing municipal employees with tools to provide better service to the Aboriginal community they serve.
Contact: Jackie Hallibuton
Phone: 986-4603
Community Services Worker Project - $158,000 in WPA Funding
This is a work experience project that places participants in community clubs to conduct custodial services for up to six months. At the conclusion of paid work experience, a social worker works with participants to transition them to alternate employment and/or training opportunities.
Contact: Karen Mitchell
Phone: 986-5610
Youth in Community Services - $45,000 in WPA Funding
This program partners the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD) with the City of Winnipeg to provide enhanced city employment opportunities. Forty at-risk Aboriginal youth will receive training to become Recreation Technicians and Instructor Guards.
Contact: Tim Fergus
Phone: 986-3618
Bus Operator Outreach Program - $10,000 in WPA Funding
This outreach program is designed to recruit Aboriginal persons to become Bus Operators with Winnipeg Transit as a career choice. Efforts are being made to increase awareness and interest among the Aboriginal community as to the opportunities, benefits, salary, working conditions, required qualifications, and selection process to become transit employees. Outreach includes a presence at career fairs, open houses, conferences and workshops; designing and delivering presentations to groups and organizations; conducting advertising communication; and partnering with employment network organizations.
Contact: Keith Martin
Phone: 986-5750
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