Released on March 4, 2010
A group representing Big River forestry interests is receiving $150,000 in research monies from the Community Development Trust Fund.
The newly formed Big River and Area Forestry Committee was created by the Town and RM of Big River to look at new economic development opportunities in light of challenges facing the province's forestry industry.
"The funding will allow the committee to undertake value-added forestry research as well as an industrial business opportunity review," Saskatchewan Rivers MLA Nadine Wilson said on behalf of Energy and Resources Minister Bill Boyd. "Big River is one of a number of forest communities that have been adversely affected by the global downturn in the forestry industry. The people of Big River and area are dealing with new economic challenges and we are there as government to support them in those efforts. They have already done some research and this new funding will continue that work."
The Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF) is an initiative to support communities negatively affected by international economic uncertainty, particularly in the resource sector.
"Back in November when we announced new allocations under the Prince Albert Forest Management Agreement, we said we would continue to work with communities affected by the changing face of forestry," Boyd said. "This funding to the Big River committee is part of that commitment."
Forestry is an industry undergoing a transformation from a commodities base to more market-driven value-added products. The industry continues to play an important role in our economic progress, contributing roughly $1 billion a year to our provincial economy.
Saskatchewan received $36.4 million in CDTF support, $7 million of which has been allocated to establish a value-added research program.
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For more information, contact:
Bob Ellis
Energy and Resources
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1691
Email: robert.ellis@gov.sk.ca