Aspin announces help to strengthen Northern Ontario’s forestry

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On behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister for FedNor, Jay Aspin, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming, today announced a Government of Canada investment of more than $650,000 to strengthen Northern Ontario’s forestry and wood-product sector and to stimulate tourism activity in the area.

“The Government of Canada is proud to partner with the City of North Bay and the Canadian Wood Council to create jobs and strengthen the economy of Northern Ontario,” said Minister Clement. “Today’s announcements will help position communities and businesses across the North for sustainable growth and prosperity.”

“Our Government understands that a strong economy is built on strong local communities,” said MP Aspin. “By investing in our region’s inherent strengths, FedNor is creating economic opportunities for businesses to develop and grow.”

The Canadian Wood Council will receive $600,000 to implement its Ontario WoodWORKS! Growth Plan, a two-year initiative that will promote the use of wood in commercial applications. A further $58,575 will allow the City of North Bay to develop and implement a sports tourism strategy to help attract national and international events to the North Bay area.

“Today’s announcement will allow us to build on the success of the Ontario WoodWORKS! Program,” said Marianne Berube, Ontario Director for WoodWORKS! at the Canadian Wood Council. “Our ongoing partnership with the Government of Canada, through FedNor, is helping us position wood as the first choice and best value building material for all types of construction.”

The funding announced today was provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which support projects that strengthen community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.

To find out more about FedNor, visit: fednor.gc.ca.

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