Through Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), the Government of Canada is providing funding to communities affected by the transition away from coal-fired power generation, enabling their residents to pursue meaningful careers and enjoy a high qualify of life for generations to come.
The federal support will help communities in southeast Saskatchewan and Alberta's Cactus Corridor region attract investment, expand local businesses and create jobs
As part of the Government of Canada's commitment to support affected workers and their communities, M茅lanie Joly, the minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and the minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, announced $5.8 million in funding to support 12 economic development, training and career support initiatives in Saskatchewan and Alberta.
The funding comes from the Canada Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI), and includes over $1 million to the City of Estevan for several projects.
"This coal transition funding from the federal government is appreciated,鈥� said Mayor Roy Ludwig in a news release. 鈥淭he funding will be used at the direction of the economic development board through their strategic plan to help diversify and make economic opportunities for Estevan and area.
鈥淲ith the approaching closures of units 4 and 5 at the Boundary Dam Power Station, it is critical that we look at diversification and all opportunities for our community. We will continue to encourage the pursuit of carbon capture and other technologies, which will allow us to produce green energy moving forward."
The funding for the city includes $350,000 to conduct an assessment of the region's assets, enhance the city's brand, and complete a marketing strategy and action plan; $560,000 to complete a feasibility study and assess the economics of a carbon capture natural gas facility in the Estevan area with Eight Rivers Capital; and $150,000 for a feasibility study of short line rail in the region.
Also, the RM of Estevan will receive $350,000 in funding to develop economic and community strategies for rural municipalities in the Estevan region.There is also:
- $800,000 to 小蓝视频east College to establish a heavy equipment operator training program at its Estevan campus;
- $677,880 to the United Mineworkers of America Local 7606 and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2607 to establish a transition centre for coal workers in the Estevan and Coronach region;
- The Sunrise Community Futures Development Corporation will receive $280,000 in additional funding to support its targeted business and community advisory services in southeast Saskatchewan. This project was original announced in September 2019;
- $960,000 to projects led by the Town of Coronach to enhance main street areas and create a marketing strategy for communities in the Deep 小蓝视频 Regional Partnership; and
- Nearly $1.5 million to the Cactus Corridor Economic Development Corporation to identify economic development opportunities and promote investment readiness in the region around Hanna and Youngstown, Alta.
Budget 2018 earmarked $35 million over five years for the CCTI to support skills development and economic diversification activities to help workers and communities adapt to Canada's transition to a low-carbon economy.
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