March 13, 2003

THE PAS--Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Oscar Lathlin today announced $350,000 in funding to further support the Northern Forest Diversification Centre (NFDC), a demonstration project located in The Pas.

"The centre, through the use of local resources, is meeting the challenge of creating employment opportunities for residents in remote areas, which is a key priority of Manitoba’s Northern Development Strategy," said Lathlin. "The centre has been acknowledged for its community economic development work by the Premier's Economic Advisory Council which includes more than 30 volunteers representing business, labour, the community and Aboriginal peoples."

Lathlin made the announcement at a northern economic development forum hosted here by Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak and the Southeast Resource Development Council.

Lathlin noted that the centre, initially launched in March 2001, has been working toward making a link between the growing demand for wild, natural, non-timber forest products and the challenge of creating sustainable economic opportunities in remote areas. These products include walking sticks, Christmas wreaths and rustic furniture which can be produced using products that are abundant in Manitoba.

Through the NFDC, residents of remote communities also receive training on the harvesting, processing and marketing of products. To date, more than 100 students from at least five communities near The Pas have received training.

The centre has been recognized by the Association of Canadian Community Colleges as one of the top 10 exemplary practices in rural community development and has established a range of effective partnerships with organizations including the Manitoba Metis Federation and the Swampy Cree Tribal Council.

"Innovative business development is important to all of Manitoba," said MaryAnn Mihychuk, minister of industry, trade and mines. "This project shows that there is a market for unique Manitoba products and opportunity for new sustainable opportunities in the North."

The NFDC is a subsidiary of Keewatin Community College and was originally funded as a demonstration project jointly by the Province of Manitoba and Western Economic Diversification Canada.

The grant includes funding from the Manitoba departments of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs; Conservation; Industry Trade and Mines; and Intergovernmental Affairs, and is part of the province's Northern Development Strategy.

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