Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec, June 8, 2010 – The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, and Nathalie Normandeau, Deputy Premier of Quebec, Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife and Minister responsible for the Northern Plan, today joined Pierre Corbeil, Quebec Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region and the Nord-du-Québec Region and Member of the National Assembly for Abitibi-Est, in announcing that an investment of $14.4 million for fiscal 2010-2011 has been awarded to the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region through the Canada-Quebec Agreements – Job Creation Initiatives for the Forest Sector.
This funding is intended to assist forest workers and communities in dealing with the difficult situation plaguing the forest industry. "I am happy to confirm this contribution from the Government of Quebec as it will have a tangible impact on silvicultural communities and workers in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region. These investments will help maintain or create many jobs," said Minister Normandeau.
In all, the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region has been granted $38.4 million in financial assistance for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. This funding comes from the $245.6 million in joint funding from the governments of Canada and Quebec.
"The forest sector is important to our economy, and that is why our government decided to take prompt and effective action by creating the Community Adjustment Fund, a measure provided for under Canada's Economic Action Plan. The investments we are making will do more than get the economy back on track. We are working to improve our long-term forestry capital so it will generate numerous and better jobs in Quebec communities," explained the Honourable Denis Lebel.
These investments will allow for continued targeted action to be taken in public and private forests in all regions of Quebec, notably for:
- reforestation operations in areas that have poorly regenerated following natural disturbances so as to enhance these sites;
- rehabilitation of hardwood forests so as to improve the quality and value of wood products;
- intensive silvicultural operations, particularly commercial thinning in plantation areas so as to increase the yield of forests and past investments;
- development of access roads to silvicultural operations;
- production of saplings in nurseries;
- restoration of watercourse crossings on forest multi-use roads of the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune du Québec.
"Forests are an important part of our region's economy. The forest sector is a key priority for our government and we are committed to supporting activities that ensure its vitality. The first year of this agreement helped maintain or create 862 jobs in the region," said Minister Pierre Corbeil.
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Sources:
Marie-France Boulay
Press Secretary
Office of the Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife and Minister responsible for the Northern Plan
Tel.: 418-643-7295
Hélène Sauvageau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region and the Nord-du-Québec Region
Tel.: 418-646-9131
Ève Cardinal
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819-997-3319
