$2-Million Grant Program Piloted with Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Will Increase Indigenous Inclusion and Partnerships: Nesbitt
The Manitoba government is investing up to $2 million to launch a new fund that will reduce barriers for Indigenous communities so they can fully participate in resource development projects across the province, Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt announced today.
“Our government is paving the way towards a promising and prosperous future with our Indigenous communities, one that advances a collaborative approach to resource development planning for the benefit of all Manitobans,” said Nesbitt. “This new funding will create a responsible and thriving resource sector by investing in initiatives that ensure projects are realized in a way that respects both the land and its people.”
The Indigenous Inclusion and Partnerships Fund will be accessible to proponents of resource development projects in Indigenous communities. Eligible activities include training and capacity building, impact assessment studies, project site visits, collaborative community and regional monitoring, as well as other mitigation and accommodation measures to address project impacts.
The pilot program will be administered by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, the minister noted. Projects with total eligible expenses of up to $25,000 can receive up to 100 per cent of the eligible costs. Projects with total eligible expenses greater than $25,000 can receive up to 50 per cent of eligible costs, to a maximum of $250,000.
“The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is pleased to be undertaking this pilot program that will ensure natural resource development projects have a funding mechanism available that addresses mitigation and accommodation measures,” said Chuck Davidson, president and CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. “This addresses one of the major gaps that we have identified through the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund initiative and will specifically benefit Indigenous communities and proponents.”
For more information on the Indigenous Inclusion and Partnerships Fund, visit MMDF.ca.
