Government of Canada supports new business opportunities in northern Saskatchewan’s forestry sector

July 24, 2019 – Air Ronge, Saskatchewan – Western Economic Diversification Canada

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the creation of new community-led business opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and northerners.

Today, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), announced $975,000 in Regional Innovation Ecosystem (RIE) funding to Keewatin Community Development Association (KCDA) to scale-up and increase the production of the non-timber forest sector in northern Saskatchewan. Non-timber forest products include plants, fungi and plant products harvested from the boreal forest for food, teas or nutritional supplements.

This funding will help KCDA create 50 new jobs in production and sales as well as help them purchase equipment, and develop marketing plans and materials.

This announcement highlights one of the 17 investments in Saskatchewan, Minister Ralph Goodale announced today, providing more than $20 million to help Saskatchewan businesses and non-profit organizations promote innovation, commercialization, and economic growth.

Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan is building an economy in which Canadians have access to high-quality jobs and businesses are equipped to participate in the rapidly evolving and competitive global marketplace.