News release

Provincial, Federal Governments Invest $14 million in Nova Scotia Forests

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

The sustainability of Nova Scotia's forest sector and rural development will both get a boost from a $14 million investment by the province and the government of Canada.

Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell and Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, today, Aug. 27th, announced the combined investment. It will provide silviculture assistance primarily for woodlots smaller than 2,000 hectares and will strengthen forest and environmental management.

"We realize the importance of the forestry sector in creating the secure jobs our economy needs," said Mr. MacDonell. "Silviculture is an essential part of sustaining our forests and helps ensure that they stay vibrant for years to come."

"Government recognizes that declining demand and prices for forest products have resulted in significant production cutbacks and job losses across Atlantic Canada," said Mr. MacKay. "Through this investment, we are not only immediately strengthening the forestry sector now and for years to come, but we're also creating jobs and supporting rural communities today."

The province is investing $7 million through the Department of Natural Resources.

The federal government is investing $5 million through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and $2 million through Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation. Both investments are from the Community Adjustment Fund, an initiative of the Economic Action Plan designed to create jobs and maintain employment across Canada.

The project will affect more than 10,700 hectares of small woodlots and some Crown land in Nova Scotia, and create more than 400 jobs, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of forests and creating carbon offset benefits. Softwood lumber producers and exporters are not eligible to receive financial benefits under the project. The work, to be carried out over the next two years, will include site preparation, planting, thinning and tending to ensure the growth, composition and quality of forests.