September 8, 1997
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

$40,000 project announced under Job Creation Program

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, announced today that approval has been given under the Job Creation Program for the maintenance of a 80 hectare plantation near the community of Tilton, Conception Bay.

The minister stated: " This plantation is approximately 40 to 45 years of age and it requires maintenance to ensure its health for future generations. Silviculture work is very important to a healthy forest ecosystem, and the Job Creation Program provides the funding to carry out these initiatives. In addition the program will generate meaningful employment for people and contribute to the local economy."

John Effort, MHA for Port de Grave and Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture joined Mr. Aylward in making the announcement. "This initiative is welcomed in our district, not only will it have a lasting benefit to the forest sector," Mr. Effort said, "but it will also generate employment for 9 people for a 12 week period. I am pleased to inform the public that the Trinity Conception Community Development Corporation has been awarded this $40,000.00 contract."

This project is made possible through a commitment of $2.5 million dollars under the Provincial Government's Employment Initiatives Fund for the development and maintenance of the forest resource and jobs associated with the forest resource.

Government continues to provide strong support to the ongoing silviculture program. For 1997, government announced a total of $12.4 million to be spent on silviculture-related work. This amount represents direct provincial contributions combined with partnership arrangements with the two pulp and paper companies, Abitibi Consolidated Inc. and Corner Brook Pulp and Paper, plus a combination of federal/provincial government investment through the Transitional Job Fund.

Work is expected to commence immediately and will be completed in late November.

Contact:

Ed Blackmore, Central Region Forest Office, (709) 256-1451

Anna Buffinga, Communications, (709) 729- 3750