Community Development Program Funding Approved

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA INVESTS IN HELPING COMMUNITY FORESTS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

KASLO, BRITISH COLUMBIA, July 6, 2010 – The Government of Canada is supporting economic development opportunities in the forestry sector. The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), announced today that the Bridges – Linking Resources for Community Forestry project will receive a contribution of $169,000.

“Our government knows that British Columbia’s forest-based communities are facing challenges due to economic and ecological factors,” said Minister Blackburn.  “Community forests are one of the ways rural and First Nation communities can meet these challenges to create jobs and stabilize local economies. By providing them with the resources they need, we can ensure that new organizations reach their full potential.”

The funding for the project comes from the Community Development Program, Building Rural and Northern Partnerships. Funds will be used by the British Columbia Community Forestry Association (BCCFA), to develop and share information, tools and techniques that community forest organizations in 50 communities can use to create new opportunities for economic activities.

The project will take place in collaboration with the University of British Columbia Research Forest and the Faculty of Forestry. This will ensure that students are able to access new learning materials on community forests. The new expertise will also be more readily available through the BCCFA website, community meetings and presentations to reach a wider audience.

The Community Development Program supports projects that help stakeholders find solutions that work for them while sharing information and best practices with other communities. It also supports the development of collaborative activities that engage multiple communities and partners.

For more information on Canada’s Rural Partnership, visit www.rural.gc.ca