Harper Government launches $1-billion Fund to help Forestry and other Communities at risk across Canada - Manitoba communities to receive support through new Community Adjustment Fund

May 14, 2009

Canadian workers, families and businesses in communities that are hardest hit by the global recession will be able to pursue new economic opportunities in their communities thanks to the Community Adjustment Fund, a major job creating investment contained in the Harper Government's Economic Action Plan.

"Our Government knows the challenges western families and communities are facing because of the global economic downturn," said Minister of State Yelich. "That's why our Government is taking action and delivering the Community Adjustment Fund to help create jobs and maintain employment in our communities."

The Community Adjustment Fund will deliver a total of $1-billion over the two years to local economies throughout Canada. The fund will provide $306-million over two years to support the most affected western Canadian communities.

"This is great news for Manitoba. Through this fund, our Government is keeping our promise to provide immediate and direct assistance to rural communities affected by the global economic crisis," said the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board. "The fund will help create jobs and maintain employment in Manitoba communities hardest hit by the current economic downturn."

Projects to be funded under CAF could include reforestation activities, investments in machinery or equipment, demonstration of new mining technologies, and initiatives to improve market access for products.

The Community Adjustment Fund will also build on the ongoing work of existing federal programs and initiatives such as the $170-million fund for forest products market diversification and innovation, and programs delivered by Western Economic Diversification Canada.

Western Economic Diversification (WD) will deliver the fund in the four western provinces. Program and applications details may be obtained at http://www.wd-deo.gc.ca/. Project proposals are due by June 5, 2009 and projects needing more time to develop have until June 26, 2009.