NORTHEASTERN ALBERTA FIRST NATIONS JOIN FORCES TO FORM FORESTRY HARVESTING COMPANY

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CALGARY, ALBERTA (January 12, 2005) - The Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced today $300,000 in federal funding to assist the Chipewyan Prairie and Heart Lake First Nations of northeastern Alberta participate in the forestry industry. "The Government of Canada is working in partnership with First Nations and the private sector to improve the quality of life for First Nations," said Minister Scott. "The young and growing First Nations population in Alberta offers tremendous potential. Governments, First Nations and the private sector must continue to work together in ventures such as these to tap that potential and to foster economic development and long-term First Nations economic self-reliance." Janvier/Heart Lake Forestry Inc. (JHL), a joint partnership of the Chipewyan Prairie and Heart Lakes First Nations, was formed and will enter into a five-year agreement to harvest 180,000 cubic metres of logs annually for Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc. The company will become a key supplier to Alberta-Pacific and other forest product companies in the region. Alberta-Pacific is a pulp and paper mill and is considered one of the cleanest and most environmentally conscious in the world. First Nations have previous successful experience as minor partners in the forestry sector. This $2 million project will enable JHL to expand Aboriginal involvement through the training of harvesting staff, acquisition of harvesting, transportation and logging camp equipment and purchase of tools and supplies. The project not only allows JHL to develop and expand its forestry harvesting expertise, but also results in the creation of 10 new full-time jobs for local community members in the first year of operations. As the scope of the company's operations grows, staff is expected to increase to 15 members. - 30 - For further information contact: Glenn Luff Director, Communications Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Alberta Region (780) 495-6638 (780) 940-9880 (Cell)

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2016-12-15

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NORTHEASTERN ALBERTA FIRST NATIONS JOIN FORCES TO FORM FORESTRY HARVESTING COMPANY

News Release

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