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Colin Mayes, Member of Parliament for Okanagan – Shuswap, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, today announced a federal investment towards the Neskonlith Indian Band to implement a regional business development and skills training pilot program.

"Today’s investment will help the Neskonlith Indian Band provide valuable training, education and mentorship experiences to our residents," said Mr. Mayes. "This initiative will support the community immediately, while building a stronger economic foundation for the long-term."

Funding of more than $213,000 under the Community Economic Diversification Initiative (CEDI) will provide new skills and training to participants from the Neskonlith, Skeetchestn and Adams Lake Indian Bands. Project activities will include: participant recruitment and assessment; development of a database for entrepreneurs interested in acting as mentors; and training and educational opportunities. A final report on the project will be shared with seven other local First Nations bands, through the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council.

"We would like to thank the Government of Canada for providing funding under the Community Economic Diversification Initiative to assist with the development of our regional business plan and skill training pilot program," said Chief Judy Wilson. 

Managed by Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), CEDI will invest more than $33 million over two years towards projects in communities most at risk from the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation. The program supports a wide range of projects that further economic growth, job creation and future community sustainability.

The CEDI program is part of the Government of Canada’s $200 million comprehensive response to mitigate the short- and long-term effects of the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation on B.C.’s forestry sector. This federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program is led by Natural Resources Canada, in collaboration with WD and Transport Canada.

Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations, and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.

Please visit the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program for more information. 

For additional information, contact:

Jackie Stewart
A/Communications Manager- British Columbia
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: (604) 666-7543

Colleen Andrew
Neskonlith Indian Band
Telephone: (250) 679-3295  ext. 210