For immediate release
January 10, 2006
MEDIA RELEASE
CREEWEST AND DE BEERS CANADA CONCLUDE AIR TRANSPORTATION CONTRACT
FOR
THE VICTOR PROJECT
Timmins – January 10, 2006 - De Beers Canada today announced the award of the air transportation contract for the Victor Project to CreeWest, a joint venture between Air Creebec and the James Bay First Nations. The contract covers the three year projected construction period for the Victor Project which is located near Attawapiskat First Nation in the James Bay Lowlands in Ontario. It includes passenger and freight transportation to and from the Victor Project site.
"The fact that this contract has been awarded to CreeWest is further demonstration of the De Beers'
commitment to support the development of local Aboriginal business" said Jeremy Wyeth, Vice President of the De Beers Victor Project. "We are pleased that the regional First Nations are utilizing the Victor Project to create new business initiatives that will have sustainable positive economic effects."
Leonard Rickard-Louttit, who represents the First Nation partners in CreeWest, is confident that this
contract will be of long term benefit to the First Nations involved. The First Nations partners include Moose Cree, Fort Albany, Kashechewan, Attawapiskat and Weenusk First Nations. "These communities are committed to working together on this and other economic development initiatives with the long term goal of improving life in our communities," said Mr. Rickard-Louttit.
Chief Mike Carpenter of the Attawapiskat First Nation added, "Our communities have worked together politically for years and now it is time we work together on economic development opportunities as well. We are really pleased that our joint venture partner in this important contract is Air Creebec. It means we can conduct our board meetings in Cree." he stated.
Albert Diamond, President of Air Creebec noted that "this is a significant business development for Air Creebec and it certainly has always been on our radar screen to serve the Victor Project. On a personal level, we are honored to have this opportunity of working with our sister communities on the west coast of James Bay."
The contract is effective January 1, 2006 as the Victor Project moves from the advanced exploration phase to construction. It is expected that work on the project will begin as soon as the weather allows construction of the winter roads in January 2006. This contract is expected to generate ten new jobs in Air Creebec who will give employment preferences to qualified Cree candidates. Transportation between points of hire including Timmins and the James Bay First Nations will be provided for the more than 550 construction workers who will be working at the project site.
- Ends -
| For further information contact: |
Leonard Rickard Louttit
Wakenagun CFDC
Business Office: (705) 268-5191
Email: lrickard@wakenagun.ca |
Trish Buttineau
Communications Coordinator
De Beers Victor Project
Business Office: (705) 268-0988 ext 231
Email: trish.buttineau@ca.debeersgroup.com |
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