GNWT and Fort Providence Sign Forest Industry Development MOU
YELLOWKNIFE (June 4, 2014) – Minister of Environment and Natural Resources J. Michael Miltenberger signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Forest Industry Development on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) with Deh Gah Gotie First Nation Chief Joachim Bonnetrouge and Fort Providence Métis President Clifford McLeod today.
“This Memorandum of Understanding supports our commitment to strengthen and diversify our economy by recognizing the value of the commercial use of wood fibre in providing employment, training and business opportunities for the residents of Fort Providence,” said Minister Miltenberger.
The MOU highlights the GNWT’s intent to provide short term and long term tangible benefits from forests to communities; create economic investment opportunities for the forest industry; and enhance the environmental stewardship and ecological sustainability of forests in the Northwest Territories (NWT).
“Our Biomass Strategy supports the commercial use of the wood fibre to heat homes and buildings and this MOU is the first step in a process to help ensure a supply of timber for a viable commercial operation,” said Minister Miltenberger. “The next step is to sign a forest management agreement with Fort Providence and begin developing and implementing a program to build human resources capacity in Fort Providence related to the forest business, forest management, timber harvest planning, harvesting and silviculture activities.”
The MOU supports the 17th Legislative Assembly’s vision of strong individuals, families and communities sharing the benefits and responsibilities of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous NWT and its goal of a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices.
For more information:
Judy McLinton
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Environment and Natural Resources
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 873-7379
Email: judy_mclinton@gov.nt.ca
