Government of Canada and Province of Manitoba Announce Investment to Help Create and Maintain Jobs in the Forestry Sector in Northern Manitoba

January 18, 2011

The Pas, Manitoba - The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Provencher, on behalf of The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and the Honourable Bill Blaikie, Manitoba Minister of Conservation, today announced support that helped strengthen economic opportunities in northern Manitoba. Federal funding of $968,400 was provided through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Manitoba contributed a total of $635,600 comprised of in-kind staff and technical support of existing forest inventory information, and funding resources.

“I am pleased to announce our Government’s support for this important project through Canada’s Economic Action Plan,” said Minister Toews. “Through the collaboration of the federal and provincial governments, we have provided immediate training and employment for local forestry. We have created job opportunities for Manitobans that are both sustainable in the long-term and provide work close to home.”

“This collaborative federal and provincial program provided immediate training and employment for local forestry workers impacted by the economic downturn and to First Nation communities living in northern Manitoba,” said Minister Blaikie. “Individuals participating in this project received specialized training and gained valuable experience in survey work which will enhance their opportunities in the forest sector when economic conditions improve.”

Under the project, Manitoba Conservation will conduct a sampling of 2,625 forestry plots in the Highrock Forest Section of northern Manitoba. The information gathered is being used to assess long-term economic development and diversification opportunities as well as to evaluate land base dynamics related to wood supply, biomass, carbon stocks and wildlife habitat.

CAF supports the most affected western Canadian communities, such as those that are heavily reliant on resource-based industries. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering the program in the four western provinces.

Visit the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) in the West or Canada’s Economic Action Plan for more information