The Government of Canada is investing in two projects that will help the Nazko First Nation overcome the local economic impacts of the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation.
Federal funding of $115,000 was announced today by Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, and the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources. The funding is under the Community Economic Diversification Initiative (CEDI), a component of the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program.
"Our government's investments will help the Nazko First Nation identify new business opportunities, and explore the commercial value of a known geothermal resource in the area," said MP Harris. "These projects will diversify the local economy and help ensure a strong, healthy future for the region."
"The projects announced today are an example of how the Government of Canada is addressing the needs of communities affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation," said Minister Lunn. "Through this support, our government is helping impacted communities turn challenges into economic opportunities."
The Nazko First Nation (NFN) will receive $90,000 to develop an economic action plan that will provide the critical initial steps in assisting the NFN in diversifying its local economy. The project is also designed to increase the capacity of Band staff, decision makers and key community members with an interest in business operations by providing training and educational opportunities to key leaders.
A $25,000 investment will enable the band to study a known geothermal resource located on or near Nazko reserve lands, to determine the extent and quality of the water and to analyze and recommend development options for the resource.
"We are pleased to receive funding for our project which would give us the opportunity to reduce our reliance on the forestry sector," said Chief Dolores Alec. "This would provide the band with the necessary tools to create a better future for our people."
Managed by Western Economic Diversification Canada, CEDI will invest more than $33 million over two years 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-term 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 is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.
For more information on the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program, please visit: http://mpb.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/publications_e.html
For additional information, contact:
Catherine Brown
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (604) 666-1306
Cell: (604) 764-9381
Titi Kunkel
Economic Development Manager
Nazko First Nation
250-992-9085
