Minister Rickford: Canada-India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (NCA) Contributes to Jobs and Opportunities for Aboriginal Communities

OTTAWA, May 5, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, today met with representatives from Cameco Corp., and First Nation and Métis leaders from Saskatchewan.

Minister Rickford discussed how the Harper Government is helping enhance opportunities for Aboriginal people in the responsible development of Canadian resources including uranium. Cameco is the largest industrial employer of Aboriginal people in the country.

Cameco Corp is setting an example for how strong industry partnerships produce a range of benefits for Aboriginal people in areas such as training, infrastructure development and environmental protection.

Minister Rickford highlighted how Canada's Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (NCA) with India that came into force in September 2013 is helping industry enhance opportunities for Aboriginal people while developing non-emitting energy.

Canadian exports of uranium also support India with a responsible, secure and reliable source of non-emitting energy.

Minister Rickford reaffirmed the Harper Government's commitment to engaging Aboriginal communities and promoting their full partnership in the responsible development of Canada's natural resources. 

Quick Facts

• Today, more than 30,000 Aboriginal people work in energy, mining and forestry jobs throughout Canada, making the natural resource sector a leading private sector employer of Aboriginal people.
• Canada's nuclear industry employs more than 30,000 people including 5,000 in uranium mining. About 45 per cent of uranium mine site jobs are held by Aboriginal people.
• Canada is the world's second largest exporter of uranium with exports valued at more than $1 billion per year.
• Nuclear energy production in Canada generates about $5 billion in annual revenues.

Quotes

"Our Government is helping enhance jobs and opportunities for Aboriginal people in the economic and environmental aspects of responsible resource development. Our nuclear cooperation agreement with India also provides one of the fastest growing economies in the world with a reliable, secure source of non-emitting energy."

The Honorable Greg Rickford
Minister of Natural Resources

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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