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FPInnovations to support Aboriginal participation in forest sector

Western Economic Diversification Canada has announced an investment of $1.8 million to support FPInnovations in delivering the Aboriginal Forest Sector Technical Support Program in British Columbia and Alberta.

The program will develop new and existing Aboriginal-owned forestry sector businesses, with industry specialists providing technical experience and advice tailored to businesses in various stages of development. The investment, provided through the Western Diversification Program, will allow FPInnovations to deliver educational workshops in Aboriginal communities and create marketing materials to encourage participation in the program.

“With this investment, the federal government recognizes the important role that Aboriginal communities play in the success of the Canadian forest sector. FPInnovations, with its long history of working closely with many Aboriginal communities, is well positioned to leverage its knowledge of the sector to support important economic development opportunities for Aboriginal peoples,” commented Pierre Lapointe, president and CEO, FPInnovations.

It is anticipated that this project will create economic opportunities in communities across British Columbia and Alberta, and will encourage future trade and investment opportunities.

In British Columbia and Alberta, almost 75,000 people are employed in the forestry sector.