Waswanipi, Quebec - Canada's forest sector continues to be an important generator of good jobs in communities across the country, including rural, remote and Indigenous communities. The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous peoples to ensure that they participate in — and benefit from — natural resource projects.
Paul Lefebvre, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a $330,000 investment for two forestry projects in Waswanipi, Quebec, that will create jobs and boost the local economy.
The first investment of $300,000 is for the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi to support business planning and equipment reconditioning for the Nabakatuk Forest Products facility. This funding will enable the reopening of the facility so that it can provide mill-finished lumber for retail markets. Support for this community-industry partnership is a promising model, which will foster stronger relationships with Indigenous peoples and competitiveness in Canada’s forest economy.
The second investment of $30,000 supports the acquisition and launch of Ungava Gourmande, an Indigenous-led business focused on non-timber forest products, such as wild food jellies derived from fruits and plants. The investment will support Ungava with its business planning, provide training to workers and lay the foundation for future economic development.
Both opportunities are funded by Natural Resources Canada’s Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI), which offers opportunities to Indigenous communities that rely on forests and Canada’s emerging forest bioeconomy.
Source : Government of Canada