Canada Promotes Indigenous Participation in Yukon Forestry Sector

Press Release

December 7, 2018–Whitehorse, Yukon–Natural Resources Canada

Transforming how we make and use energy presents tremendous economic opportunities for Canada and will result in investments, good jobs for Canadians and a cleaner planet for future generations.

The Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a multi-year investment of $1,432,000 for a forestry initiative in Yukon that will result in greener heating solutions, job creation and boost the local economy.

This investment will continue the Government of Canada’s work with the Government of Yukon to support biomass projects in Indigenous communities by helping them determine their bioenergy solutions.

The outcomes of this initiative support the territory by:

increasing Indigenous participation in the forest sector;
enhancing overall competitiveness of the forest economy;
displacing diesel for heat and energy in northern and remote Indigenous communities; and,
reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Canada is committed to the transition to a low-carbon economy. Over two-thirds of Canada’s electricity generation comes from renewable energy, placing Canada first in the G7 and second among G20 countries in terms of its share of electricity generated from renewables.

This project is co-funded by Natural Resources Canada’s Indigenous Forestry Initiative and Indigenous Services Canada’s Strategic Partnerships Initiative, both of which create opportunities for Indigenous communities in the forest sector.

Quotes

“This initiative creates economic opportunities and greener heating options for Yukon. We will continue to work with the territory to accelerate the transition to a clean energy future, where the economy and the environment go hand in hand.”

Larry Bagnell,
Member of Parliament for Yukon

“The Government of Canada is committed to working in partnership with Indigenous communities towards an innovative, clean and inclusive economy. Indigenous Services Canada is proud to support these opportunities through the Strategic Partnerships Initiative for Indigenous communities that rely on forests and Canada’s emerging forest bioeconomy.”

The Honourable Jane Philpott, P.C., M.P
Minister of Indigenous Services

“The Government of Canada funding directly led to capacity development and the advancement of multiple biomass projects that are benefitting local First Nations and promoting economic development within our forestry industry. These biomass projects support the development of locally sourced renewable energy to meet Yukon’s growing energy needs and move the territory toward a sustainable and self-reliant energy supply.”

Ranj Pillai, Minister Energy, Mines and Resources
Government of Yukon