April 06, 2009
Quesnel, British Columbia
Colin Mayes, Member of Parliament for Okanagan - Shuswap, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, today announced a federal investment towards the Neskonlith Indian Band to begin construction on a local industrial park.
"Today's investment will help provide the Neskonlith Indian Band the tools needed to strengthen and diversify their economy," said Mr. Mayes. "Funding will assist the Neskonlith Band to start development of a light industrial park that will create new opportunities and new jobs for our region."
"Our Government has taken concrete action towards supporting the diversification of communities impacted by the Mountain Pine Beetle," said the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources. "Today's announcement creates new and exciting opportunities for the local economy and encourages industrial growth within the region."
Funding of more than $155,000 under the Community Economic Diversification Initiative (CEDI) will help diversify the local economy and create a more sustainable future within the Chase community. Funding will enable the Band to conduct and manage pre-construction work for an industrial park development. The establishment of this industrial property will enable the Neskonlith Band to benefit from industrial growth in the region. Project activities will include: land designation, engineering services, environmental assessment, public consultations and project management.
"Our approach to establishing this new exciting venture has been very strategic in nature. We have prepared a regional market analysis to ensure the design of the commerce park meets regional market demand," said Chief Judy Wilson. "With the downturn in the forestry sector, our Council feels strongly that we can work in partnership with the Village of Chase in creating a strong regional economy by establishing this commerce park."
Managed by Western Economic Diversification, 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 (WD) and Transport Canada.
Western Economic Diversification works with the provinces, industry associations, and communities to promote 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
Tel: 604-666-1318
Cell: 604-505-6616
Richard Manuel
Director, Economic Development
Neskonlith Indian Band
250-679-3295
WD Toll-Free Number: 1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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