Indigenous support sparks €1.25 million investment into Canadian biomass

Larry Bagnell, a parliamentary member for the Canadian territory of Yukon announced alongside Canada’s minister of Natural Resources a multi-year investment of €1.25 million ($1.43 million) for a forestry initiative in Yukon.

According to a Natural Resources Canada release, the initiative will result in ‘greener’ heating solutions, job creation as well as boosting the local economy.

The release claims that the investment follows a governmental trend in Canada to support biomass projects in Indigenous communities, helping them to determine their bioenergy solutions.

As a result of the initiative, it is claimed that it will support the territory by: increasing overall indigenous participation in the forestry sector; making the forestry economy more competitive; reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and displacing diesel for heat and energy in northern and remote Indigenous communities.

“This initiative creates economic opportunities and greener heating options for Yukon,” said Bagnell.

“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.”

The project has been co-funded by both Natural Resources Canada’s Indigenous Forestry initiative, and Indigenous Services Canada’s Strategic Partnerships initiative.

“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,” said Jane Philpott, Canadian minister of Indigenous Services.