First Nation forestry businesses throughout British Columbia will continue to receive the technical support they need to succeed, thanks to an additional $400,000 provided by the government of B.C.

The First Nations Forest Sector Technical Support Program helps First Nations develop new and existing forest-related businesses by providing technical advice and hands-on expertise. The program supports job creation, community development, market development and improved economic well-being.

Started in 2010 in a partnership with FPInnovations and the federal government with a total commitment of $1.2 million, the program has exceeded initial targets and engaged with more than 50 First Nations. As a result of the program:

• Twenty businesses have been created, maintained or expanded.

• More than $1.3 million in new capital investment in manufacturing capacity has been identified.

• Forty jobs have been created or maintained.

The results are easy to see on the ground at Stuwix Resources Joint Venture. Eight First Nations in the Merritt area are working collectively to manage six tenures. The Technical Support Program helped identify operational efficiencies in current harvesting and log hauling operations and communicate harvesting plans to their contractors.

Staff from FPInnovations will begin administering the next intake of the program and deploying industry advisors this month. For more information, please contact the program manager, Dave McRae of FPInnovations, at: dave.mcrae@fpinnovations.ca

Under 'Our Natural Advantage: Forest Sector Strategy for British Columbia', the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is committed to working with First Nations and providing support to ensure all First Nations have the opportunity to become successful partners in B.C.'s forest industry.

Quotes:

Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations -

"By continuing the First Nations Technical Support Program, we are delivering on our commitment in the Forest Sector Strategy to explore initiatives to support successful forest management and forest-sector business development by First Nations."

Lenny Joe, general manager, Stuwix Resources Joint Venture -

"First Nations involvement in B.C.'s forest industry is growing rapidly. This program will increase our capacity and efficiency and will help position our business to play a more positive role in rural communities around the province."

Peter Lister, vice-president, FPInnovations -

"FPInnovations will be working directly with First Nations communities throughout the province alongside our funding partner, the government of B.C., to provide technical assistance in harvesting, manufacturing, market research, new product development and to help determine where further investment in forest businesses will result in real community benefits for First Nations."

Quick Facts:

• B.C. First Nations hold 14.7 per cent of B.C.'s allowable annual cut, increased from 11.9 per cent in 2010 and just three per cent in 2001.

• Since 2002, the B.C. government has signed forestry agreements with 175 First Nations, providing more than $324 million in revenue-sharing and access to over 63.2 million cubic metres of timber.

Learn More:

First Nations Forest Sector Technical Support Program: http://wealthfromforests.coppermoon.ca/

Our Natural Advantage: Forest Sector Strategy: https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/mof/forestsectorstrategy/

BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Contact:

Brennan Clarke
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261