CanNor Invests in Northwest Territories Forest Industry

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Yellowknife, (Northwest Territories), May 17, 2010 - Residents of the Northwest Territories will benefit from investments in three forestry initiatives thanks to the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.

The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of the Canadian Economic Development Agency (CanNor) today announced CanNor will invest $80,000 in the Government of the Northwest Territories, Department of Environment and Natural Resources for three forestry projects. The investments support the Territory's plan to pursue economic development and green energy sources.

"The Northwest Territories' forestry industry has tremendous potential for sustainable economic development. This investment will support the growth of this industry and will help create sustainable local economies that will benefit current and future generations of Northerners," said Minister Strahl, who is also Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.

"This investment will assist in the development of the forest industry," said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister Responsible for the North and Minister of Health. "It will focus on local communities and small business development, so that the people living in these communities will benefit the most."

"Support for this project allowed us to plan an inventory in the most prolific forest producing regions. The funding also enabled a new sawmill site to be prepared for Jean Marie River First Nation which is now in a position to process logs in the way the community wishes," said Tom Lakusta, Manager of Forest Resources with the Government of the Northwest Territories.

"Finally, the funding provided support for feasibility studies to give entrepreneurs, government representatives and First Nations information about making wood pellets in the Northwest Territories. This is an important step in creating sustainable local northern economic opportunities," said Mr. Lakusta.

This investment is made possible through CanNor's Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program, which focuses on the long-term economic growth, economic diversification and capacity building across the North.

SINED is one of several of economic development programs within CanNor which is responsible for coordination and delivery of federal economic development activities in the territories, and for policy, research and advocacy. Promoting social and economic development in the North is one of the four pillars of the Government of Canada's integrated Northern Strategy.

Backgrounder - CanNor Invests in Northwest Territories Forest Industry

Please visit these web sites to learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan   and Canada's Northern Strategy  .

 

For further information, please contact:

Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Michelle Yao
Press Secretary
(819) 997-0002

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, NWT Region
Petra White
Communications Advisor
(867) 669-2580

Department of Environment and Natural Resources, GNWT
Judy McLinton
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
(867) 873-7379