TOBIQUE FIRST NATION, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwire - Feb. 21, 2012) - Mike Allen, Member of Parliament for Tobique-Mactaquac, on behalf of the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today joined Chief Stewart Paul, members of his Band Council, staff and students of the Tobique First Nation to celebrate the official opening of the new Kindergarten to grade 8 Mah-Sos school.

"The Mah-Sos school provides Tobique First Nation students a safe and healthy learning environment where they will gain skills and knowledge to help prepare them for the future," said MP Mike Allen. "The Government of Canada is working to ensure that First Nation students have access to education that encourages them to stay in school, graduate and get the skills they need to enter the labour market."

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) invested $10.3 million in the planning, design and construction of the new school. The 2,490 m2 Kindergarten to grade 8 school has 10 classrooms and includes a technology room, a gymnasium, a music room, a library, a kitchen and a cafeteria, as well as administrative space. The facility has the capacity to accommodate up to 268 students, providing capacity and facilities for enrolment growth.

"The new Mah-Sos School is a key component in the continuing endeavour of building Tobique First Nation's future," said Chief Stewart Paul. "It will also contribute greatly to ensuring the survival of the Maliseet language."

The $10.3 million investment was funded through the Government of Canada's Building Canada plan Gas Tax Fund (GTF) extension which allocated more than $102 million for five new First Nation schools and two major school renovation projects in the past three years.

Our Government will continue to work with First Nation partners across Canada to deliver tangible and lasting results and ensure First Nations are well-positioned to be full participants in a strong Canadian economy.

Tobique First Nation is located in northwestern New Brunswick. The community has a total population of 2,026 people, of whom 1,442 live on reserve.

This release is also available on the Internet at www.aandc.gc.ca.

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