December 17, 2008
Williams Lake, British Columbia
Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo - Prince George, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, today announced more than $295,000 of federal funding for the three projects to the Xeni Gwet'in First Nations Government. Funding is provided under the Community Economic Diversification Initiative (CEDI), a component of the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program.
This investment will help the Xeni Gwet'in First Nations strengthen the local economy through three tourism-based initiatives. Project work will include preparing a development plan for a local tourist attraction known as the Qwen Yex Earth Lodge; the renovation of two existing historical buildings for use as a Visitor Information Services Centre; and the Cultural Tourism Initiative, a skills development training program focused on cultural and wilderness tourism.
"Today's announcement is an example of how our Government is addressing the needs of communities impacted by the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation," said Mr. Harris. "When we make investments in projects that provide new economic stimulus for our communities affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle, we are turning challenges into new opportunities."
"Today's funding for our tourism attractions and skills training project will benefit our community and the area as a whole," said Marilyn Baptiste, Chief, Xeni Gwet'in First Nations Government. "These projects help us honour our culture and our past while ensuring that we can strengthen our economies for the future by sharing our guided experiences and welcoming visitors from all over the world."
Managed by Western Economic Diversification Canada, CEDI will invest more than $33 million over two years towards projects in communities most at risk from the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation. The program supports a wide range of projects that further economic growth, job creation and future community sustainability.
The CEDI program is part of the Government of Canada's $200 million comprehensive response to mitigate the short- and long-term effects of the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation on B.C.'s forestry sector. This federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program is led by Natural Resources Canada, in collaboration with Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and Transport Canada.
Western Economic Diversification Canada in partnership with the provinces, industry associations, and communities promotes the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision-making.
For more information on the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program, please visit: http://mpb.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/
For additional information, contact:
Donna Howes
Communications Manager, British Columbia
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 604-666-1318
Cell: 604-505-6616
Ms. Nancy Oppermann
Project Coordinator
Xeni Gwet'in First Nations Government
Nemiah, B.C.
Telephone : 250-398-2646
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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