NEW FORESTRY PARTNERSHIP IN GREEN LAKE

An important component of Saskatchewan's forest development plan was

launched today at a community event in Green Lake. Stillwater Forest

Products of Kalispell, Montana and Green Lake Metis Wood Products

announced their plans to build a new finger jointer facility in the

community. Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Janice

MacKinnon and Northern Affairs Minister Keith Goulet welcomed the

announcement of a $5 million investment that will create 120 direct

and indirect jobs.



"This project is another example of how northern communities are

directly participating in the expansion of Saskatchewan's forest

industry," Goulet said. "Green Lake Metis Wood Products is building

on the company's past success and contributing to the development of

our northern economy."



MacKinnon said, "This partnership is an exciting example of how we

will be doing more manufacturing in Saskatchewan by applying

technology and innovation to create marketable products. We are

making better and smarter use of our forestry resource so that we can

create thousands of new jobs and opportunities while still preserving

our precious forests."



The new finger jointer facility will glue pieces of low-grade lumber

together, creating a finished product that is more stable and less

likely to twist than traditional solid-sawn wood. The finger-jointed

wood will be used for wall studs, roof trusses and floor joists.

"We are glad to be given a chance to control an important piece

of our resources and we hope to continue the team work," Mayor

Fred McCallum of Green Lake said. "This is one pathway for our

future generations."



An important component of the forest development plan is that

environmental sustainability will be the foundation for growth in

the forestry sector. The new Forest Resources Management Act and

regulations which came into effect on April 1, 1999 will ensure

that activities in the forest are sustainable over the long term

and that the health of the ecosystem is protected.



The partnership is part of an expansion of the forest industry in

Saskatchewan that will result in the creation of as many as

10,000 direct and indirect jobs over the next three years.

Additional jobs are expected in manufacturing, agri-forestry and

research and development over the next 10 years. There will also

be more than $850 million of private sector investment in

forestry.



"This project is an expression of confidence in Saskatchewan's

economy by communities and industry," MacKinnon said. "It

reflects our commitment to a full-participation society where all

people can share in the benefits of our economic success."



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For more information, contact:



Bob Ellis

Economic and Co-operative Development

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-1691



Brian Cousins

Office of Northern Affairs

La Ronge

Phone: (306) 425-4216