$5 million contribution
through PrairiesCan to support the construction of an
Indigenous owned industrial hemp processing plant in Elk Point, Alberta
ELK
POINT, AB, May 3, 2024 /CNW/ - A competitive and
sustainable agriculture sector is a vital contributor to the
Canadian economy. Crop and animal production, processing of food
and food ingredients, and manufacturing of products like biofuels
and hemp fibre are key economic drivers that support quality jobs.
The Government of Canada is
investing in initiatives that increase the value of agriculture,
advance reconciliation, create jobs, and establish new
opportunities for businesses.
Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan,
announced $5 million in federal
funding through the Community Economic Development and
Diversification fund for the Askiy Hemp Limited Partnership (Askiy)
to construct a state-of-the-art industrial hemp processing plant in
Elk Point, Alberta. When complete,
the plant will process 40,000 tons of hemp stalk annually for use
in a variety of products including textiles, building materials,
fertilizer, and paper. Increasing demand for hemp will provide a
new revenue stream for farmers and diversify Alberta's agricultural sector.
Askiy is a partnership between Frog Lake First Nations and
Logistik Unicorp. As part of the agreement, industry experts and
Indigenous communities will work collaboratively to build on
Alberta's existing agricultural
strengths. Frog Lake First Nations will engage surrounding
communities, organizations, and residents to build awareness of new
business opportunities and share information that maximizes
economic and community benefits for east-central Alberta.
The Askiy hemp processing plant is expected to be operational in
summer of 2025 and is one component of a multi-million-dollar
development that Askiy will lead in the Elk Point area. Once complete, this facility
will directly employ more than 45 individuals, with at least one
third of these jobs expected to be filled by Indigenous Peoples.
Initially the hemp materials produced in this facility will
primarily be used in textiles.
Quotes
"Our government is taking action to advance reconciliation and
to develop meaningful partnerships that contribute to an economy
that works for everyone. By supporting the Askiy Hemp Limited
Partnership hemp processing plant we are helping to strengthen the
economy in the Elk Point area,
creating quality jobs for Albertans, contributing to economic
reconciliation, and adding value to Canada's agriculture sector. This investment
will help build a stronger and more sustainable economic future
across the Prairies."
–The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan
"The agriculture sector plays an essential role in the lives of
all Albertans. It is a key economic driver in communities across
the province and provides quality jobs, especially in rural
Alberta. This investment will help
farmers in the Elk Point region
access new opportunities in agriculture and will create more good
jobs for area residents, including members of the Frog Lake First
Nations."
–The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment,
Workforce Development and Official Languages
"As the Chief of Frog Lake First Nations, we are committed to
enhancing the lives of our people. This can only be done by
diversifying and by making investments such as this as it is an
important factor to the nations' growth. I want to take this time
to thank Logistik Unicorp, for approaching Frog Lake First Nations
to develop a joint venture partnership and form Askiy Hemp LP. This
is a great opportunity for economic growth for Frog Lake First
Nations. It will provide a large scale of opportunities in green
energy, food and water sovereignty, clean transportation, carbon
sequestration and sustainable projects. It will also provide
a number of employment opportunities for our nation's members as
well."
–Chief Gregory Desjarlais, Frog Lake First Nations
"On behalf of the Town of Elk
Point, we are excited that with the assistance and
encouragement of our government, Askiy Hemp LP had decided to
invest in our town. Askiy Hemp LP is a shining example of the
collaboration between our First Nation friends and the private
sector to promote economic and agricultural development within our
region. Most important of all, this venture also provides
employment opportunities for our Frog Lake First Nations and
residents, as well as future economic development opportunities
within our region."
–Parrish Tung, Mayor, Elk
Point
"We are pleased to be part of the transformation of the Canadian
industrial landscape by fostering economic development for First
Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Working with Frog Lake First
Nations is a natural step in creating this new branch of our
economy, which is in line with Canada's vision of growth and representation.
This project, which is rooted in our environmental values, will
bring about the creation of a unique hemp industry, in the image of
all Canadians."
–Louis Bibeau, President
and CEO, Logistik Unicorp
Quick facts
- A repayable $5 million federal
contribution is being provided for this project through the
Community Economic Development and Diversification fund,
administered in Alberta by
PrairiesCan.
- PrairiesCan programs and services help businesses,
not-for-profits, and communities grow stronger: its mandate is to
support economic growth and diversification in the Prairie
provinces and advance the interests of the region in national
economic policy, programs, and projects.
- Through the Community Economic Development and Diversification
fund, the federal government is making targeted investments in
not-for-profit organizations that aim to generate sustainable,
inclusive growth and help communities to fully participate in, and
benefit from, economic opportunities.
- The Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy is a
long-term commitment to work differently, through stronger
coordination among federal departments on investments for the
Prairies and closer collaboration with Prairie partners on their
priorities for a prosperous and sustainable Prairie economy.
- The Framework is intended to encourage greater collaboration,
leverage additional funding, and attract new investments across the
Prairies.
Associated links
- Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
- Community Economic Development and Diversification in the
Prairie provinces
- Building a Green Prairie Economy
Stay connected
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PrairiesCan on Twitter and LinkedIn
Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378 TTY
(telecommunications device for the hearing
impaired): 1-877-303-3388
SOURCE Prairies Economic Development Canada