The Manitoba government and the Community Economic Development Fund are partnering with Canadian Kraft Paper Industries Ltd. (CKP) to explore opportunities for transitioning to a greener economy in northern Manitoba, Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt announced today.

“Our government continues to invest in the north, creating and maintaining sustainable jobs,” said Nesbitt. “The use of forest biomass in the north can benefit both the environment and the local economy. It is a potential win-win that is well worth exploring further.”

With the support of a $90,000 grant from the Manitoba government, $75,000 grant from the Community Economic Development Fund and $130,000 investment from Canadian Kraft Paper Industries Ltd., CKP will examine options for enhancing the use of biomass to generate energy at the kraft mill in The Pas. A biomass-based fuel alternative would support fossil fuel substitution resulting in reduced greenhouse-gas emissions and would increase the long-term viability of the facility.

“Productive partnerships like this allow CKP to move closer toward having more of its energy needs coming from renewable sources such as carbon neutral biomass, which is not only good for the environment but also our northern Manitoba economy,” said Ann Evans, president, Canadian Kraft Paper Industries Ltd.

Through responsible forest stewardship and Indigenous-led partnerships with industry, such as the Nisokapawino Forestry Management Corporation, the forest sector is making a major contribution toward an inclusive and sustainable economy in Manitoba’s north.

“Canadian Kraft Paper Industries is a major regional employer in northern Manitoba of technical jobs producing a world-class export product,” said Chris Thevenot, CEO, Communities Economic Development Fund. “Their economic presence in the north cannot be overlooked and this funding will support key strategic areas in climate adaption and sustainability.”

To learn more about the Community Economic Development Fund, visit http://cedf.mb.ca.

 

Source: news.gov.mb.ca

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