The federal government is spending $13 million to support six clean energy projects for northern Ontario First Nations.
Health Minister Patty Hajdu made the announcement Monday.
“People need to thrive, they need to be safe, they need to feel secure, and they need to feel like they have been included in the economy. All of those things actually create better outcomes for all of Canada. This is why I am a federal politician because I profoundly believe that.”
The Thunder Bay-Superior North MP adds “Indigenous people have had centuries of experience protecting the environment. Their solutions to ensuring a strong economy and healthy forests are invaluable. We’ll continue to work with First Nations to ensure they have the tools they determine they need to foster healthy and prosperous communities grounded in culture.”
The funding comes from the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program: BioHeat Stream.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler knows this will help what is already an uphill battle for his residents.
“Address all of the infrastructure needs of our communities including hydro, power and heating of our homes. Many of our homes in these communities still rely on wood.”
Here is a list of the recipients:
-$1,670,000 to Askii Environmental Incorporated to install biomass heating systems in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation and Pikangikum First Nation
-$2,452,750 to Wikwemikong Development Commission to install pellet stoves, biomass boilers, wood pellet furnaces and wood pellet storage silos
-$2,532,000 to the Nishnawbe Aski Nation to replace existing woodstove heating appliances with upgraded high-efficiency woodstoves
-$1,051,000 to Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek to replace the community’s sawmill diesel heat source with a biomass system and install biomass-compatible heating systems in three new housing units
-$4,168,000 to Sagatay Cogeneration Limited Partnership to develop engineering plans for a biomass co-generation system
-$983,000 to Wahgoshig First Nation to install a forest-based biomass heating system for four community buildings
