Stakeholders from northwest Saskatchewan communities and Aboriginal First Nations wanting to take advantage of the growing business opportunities and job market in the region have established a new, permanent office in Fort McMurray.

The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are contributing $153,300, through the Canada-Saskatchewan Northern Development Agreement (NDA), to support the Northern Venture Group's operations in Fort McMurray until March 31, 2009. 

"This project is an example of how the Government of Canada is building partnerships with Saskatchewan First Nations and business leaders to help northerners benefit from growing opportunities in the labour market," said Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification Canada.

Comprised of representatives from the communities of Cole Bay, Beauval, Buffalo Narrows, La Loche and Ilé-a-la-Crosse, the purpose of the Northern Venture Group's new office is to successfully bid on construction contracts and significantly increase the number of northern Saskatchewan residents employed in the oil and gas industry.

NDA funding will support office operations, including salaries and benefits for two staff and operational costs, through the end of March 2009.  The Northern Venture Group is expected to develop a long-term, sustainable business plan for its Fort McMurray operations by January 31, 2009.

"The Northern Development Board Corporation (NDBC) is very proud of the way in which it has partnered with the federal and provincial governments to direct the Northern Development Agreement and give northerners a say in establishing and addressing their priorities," said Gordon Stomp chair of the NDBC. "Through the years, thousands of northerners have benefited from the infrastructure, training and investment provided by this program to improve their standard of living."

The Canada-Saskatchewan Northern Development Agreement is providing up to $20 million for economic development initiatives in northern Saskatchewan.

http://www.wd.gc.ca/77_10352_ENG_ASP.asp