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Released: 02 April, 2002
Government Of Canada Renews First Nation Forestry Program
OTTAWA — The Government of Canada will continue supporting innovative
forestry initiatives in First Nations communities. Robert D. Nault, Minister
of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), and Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), today announced that the First Nation Forestry
Program (FNFP) will be renewed until March 31, 2003.
The Government of Canada will contribute $4.5 million to support the FNFP over
the next year — with INAC providing $2.75 million and NRCan $1.75 million
— and will investigate longer-term partnership funding opportunities in
order to continue the program. First Nations and the forest industry are other
major funding partners.
"The FNFP has played a major role in creating economic development opportunities
and encouraging First Nations to participate in the forest sector," said
Minister Nault. "By working in partnership with the corporate sector, First
Nations are able to improve the quality of life in their communities and benefit
from sustainable resource development."
"During the past six years, the FNFP has assisted more than 350 communities
and 4,700 First Nations workers, on and off reserve, gain valuable experience
in forestry management," said Minister Dhaliwal. "Through this renewed
program, First Nations and the Government of Canada can continue to make a real
difference in the lives of Aboriginal people in Canada — improving quality
of life through sustainable resource development, environmental preservation
and economic growth."
The FNFP, open to all First Nations communities in Canada, aims to improve
economic conditions in these communities by providing the opportunity to enhance
their capacity to manage forests; operate and participate in forest-based businesses;
and increase cooperation and partnerships among First Nations. It enables First
Nations communities to increase their forestry-related knowledge, capabilities
and business skills essential to greater participation in Canada's forest sector.
It also investigates mechanisms for financing First Nations forestry development.
Since being established in 1996, the FNFP has supported more than 1,100 projects
with $25 million in federal contribution funding and $58 million in partnered
funding. About 57 percent of the 610 bands in Canada participate in the program
— the majority of these communities are located in rural and remote areas.
As the non-Aboriginal workforce ages and as First Nations communities gain more
access to forest resources through treaties, land entitlements and court decisions,
the FNFP is expected to continue providing opportunities to First Nations.
The FNFP is known for its excellence and achievements. The Treasury Board Secretariat
recognized it in its February 2001 Report to Parliament as one of the 12 outstanding
programs within the Government of Canada. It was also selected as a successful
example of interdepartmental cooperation in the May 2000 report of the Commissioner
of the Environment and Sustainable Development of the Office of the Auditor
General of Canada.
Funding for this program was provided for in the December 2001 budget and is
therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
For more information, media may contact:
Heather Bala
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
(613) 996-7252
Nancy Pine
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 997-0002
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