December 17, 2008
Alexis Creek, British Columbia
The Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada, is investing in two projects in Alexis Creek and Tatla Lake area communities that have been impacted by the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation.
Federal funding of $361,900 was announced today by Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo - Prince George, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. Funding is provided under the Community Economic Diversification Initiative (CEDI), a component of the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program.
"Our Government is committed to expanding economic opportunities for communities affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation," said Mr. Harris. "These investments will support the development of new tourist attractions and training programs, while providing opportunities to diversify the local economies in the broader Chilcotin Region."
The first investment of $298,000 will go toward the Tl'etinqox-t'in Government Office (TGO) to provide a solid foundation for TGO's future economic development. The project will establish business opportunities through the preparation of an economic development plan, enable the community to participate in the business world by providing high speed data links, and plan and map ecosystems that will enable TGO to enter into future negotiations with industry, regarding resources such as oil and gas within TGO territory.
"We appreciate this opportunity to work with CEDI. The projects will enables us to use our traditional knowledge as a tool to help future generations," said Chief Gerald Johnny, Tl'etinqox-t'in Government Office. "The funding will also assist Tl'etinqox-T'in Government Office members to build capacity and assess economic potential in the community. We look forward to building a positive relationship with CEDI and WD and the opportunity to share information."
The second investment is $63,900 for the Tatla Resource Association to develop an innovative forest management plan for non-timber and eco-tourism ventures. The Tatla Resource Association will engage a consulting eco-forester and a number of specialist contractors to develop a management plan in order to maximize opportunities for use of non-timber forest resources, eco-tourism and aboriginal cultural tourism within the Enyiud Community Forest. This project will diversify the economic base of both First Nation and non-First Nation communities living in Tatla Lake.
"The Tatla Resource Association is looking forward to furthering our working partnership with the Alexis Creek First Nation," said David King, President, Tatla Resource Association. "With this funding we are committing ourselves to exploring new non-timber economic opportunities within the Eniyud Community Forest. Throughout the many years of planning, it has been our goal to compliment traditional forestry with the other non-timber resources within the Community Forest, while providing local employment opportunities."
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
Mr. Steve Capling
Senior Forester
Tl'etinqox-t'in Government Office
Telephone: 250-398-5086
Mr. David King
President
Tatla Resource Association
Telephone: 250-476-1285
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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