February 02, 2010
Edmonton, Alberta
The Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State for Transport and Member of Parliament for Yellowhead, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced Government of Canada support to help the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA) strengthen economic opportunities in forestry communities throughout the province.
“Today’s announcement is another example of our Government’s commitment to Alberta’s forestry sector,
” said Minister of State Merrifield. “This project is creating immediate jobs for our forestry workers, while helping to ensure the sustainability of our forests and the communities that depend on them.
”
This project will enable the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA) to increase work that is performed through its Community Reforestation Program. Funding will support additional silviculture activities (activities that support the care and development of forests) on 6,000 hectares of cutblocks, which are forested areas on publicly owned land.
“FRIAA is excited at the opportunity to carry out additional field activities that enhance Alberta’s forests and help to sustain forestry dependent communities,
” said Trevor Wakelin, President of FRIAA. “This is the type of initiative that provides direct employment in the forestry sector and makes tangible improvements to public forest.
”
In addition to creating immediate employment opportunities and contributing to the continued sustainability of Alberta’s forestry sector, the project will also provide long-term economic benefits by increasing the productive value of the forests. Furthermore, environmental and ecological benefits, such as the enhancement of wildlife habitat and protection of watersheds, will also be realized through the reforestation and afforestation activities.
Federal funding of $6,825,000 is being provided through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
The fund will provide $306 million over two years to support the most affected western Canadian communities, such as those that are heavily reliant on resource-based industries, for instance forestry, mining, agriculture and fisheries, and communities that depend on the manufacturing industry. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering the fund in the four western provinces.
Visit the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) in the West or Canada’s Economic Action Plan for more information.
For more information, contact:
Donna Kinley
Regional Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 495-6892
Cell: (780) 991-7432
Todd Nash
General Manager
Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta
Tel: (780) 429-5873
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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