Wanted: Economic Diversification Ideas

By 250 News

From Left, Quesnel Mayor Nate Bello, Chief Leonard Thomas, Bruce Sutherland, Vanderhoof Mayor Len Fox put out the call for "expressions of interest".

About a year ago, the Province announced $30 million dollars was being set aside for beetle recovery projects. Over the  past year, that money has grown to $32 million and the doors are now open for "expressions of Interest" for possible projects that will diversify the economy.

The dollars are meant for beetle impacted communities, and those behind the projects are expected to  demonstrate partnerships with business, the communities, and First Nations to show how the project will diversify the eonomy.

Chief Leonard Thomas says the fund is welcome news for many First Nations who have forest licenses and business plans but no  financial leverage to make the plans happen.  "This is also important in that this is the first time the First Nations are being  considered partners in the development of the north. It is also important to see that when it comes to First Nations, many are very isolated,  and are looking for  projects that can be developed in their own regions, instead of having to come to town to develop something that will fail."

Quesnel Mayor Nate Bello and Chair of the Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Committee says a great deal of planning has been done, and "The time now is to take the planning and move on to making the projects happen."  Bello says "It is important to get this money out now, not ten to 20 years from now  We have a national emergency, and it is important get it out now." 

Northern Development Trust Chair Bruce Sutherland says he is hopeful the announcement of this fund and it’s availability will spark the Federal Government to  come across with more  dollars under the promised beetle funding.   One thing is clear says Sutherland, "If you want projects that work in the North, they have to be created in the North, and the funding has to be in the hands of Northerners."

The plan is to issue $10 million dollars in six months, (whichever comes first), and then the process will be reviewed.

Expressions of Interest forms are available  on the Trust's website at  www.nditrust.ca

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