Government of Canada Investment Assists Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation to Advance Forestry Initiatives

Press Release

February 23, 2016 – Marathon, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario – FedNor

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced an investment of $47,250 in support of the development of forestry initiatives in the Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation.

The FedNor contribution has enabled the First Nation to hire a youth intern for an 18-month period to conduct activities which include updating forest inventory maps, developing marketing for the operation of a firewood lot, and researching potential partners for forestry value-added and knowledge-based products and services.

Quick facts

• The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
• Since its inception, FedNor has helped provide more than 1525 young post-secondary graduates with their crucial first job, and assisted businesses and organizations in growing the economy by helping them access a qualified and talented workforce.

Quotes
“The Government of Canada is committed to helping First Nations diversify their economy and create jobs in their communities, where it counts. Today’s investment is not only providing a young graduate with invaluable job experience, it is enabling the Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation to strengthen its economy by advancing key forestry business opportunities.”

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic

Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor
“Investing in our youth is crucial to position Canada for long-term prosperity. That is why the Government of Canada is proud to support the Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation’s youth internship initiative. By helping to collect and maintain current and accurate forest inventory data, this investment will provide the community with the long-term planning and development tools it needs to strengthen its economy.”

– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women and Member of Parliament

for Thunder Bay—Superior North
“We would like to thank the Government of Canada for enabling us to take the next step toward realizing some of our key priorities to create business opportunities in our local economy, namely in the forestry sector. We look forward to the positive results that this youth internship will help us achieve.”

– Duncan Michano, Chief, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation

Associated Links

• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca and follow us on Twitter @FedNor.
• Follow the Minister on Twitter: @MinisterISED

Contact

Kim Fewchuk
Communications Officer – FedNor
705-971-4112
Kim.Fewchuk@canada.ca

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