The Miramichi Diversification Initiative, a new program designed to help companies impacted by the closure of the UPM Kymmene Kraft Mill to strategically diversify their products and markets, was launched today. The initiative is supported by the federal, provincial and municipal governments as well as Enterprise Miramichi and CBDC Northumberland.

The Miramichi Diversification Initiative will target business that are producing or manufacturing products and/or services primarily exported outside the region. It will be supported by a local committee composed of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Service Canada, the Province of New Brunswick, Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC), Enterprise Miramichi and the City of Miramichi.

“Canada’s New Government is working in partnership to get things done for the people of Miramichi,” said the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Regional Minister for New Brunswick, on behalf of the Honourable Peter Mackay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for ACOA. “Today’s investment of over $480,000 in the Miramichi Diversification Initiative is critical to helping the companies impacted by the closure of the local mill to overcome their challenges, ultimately enhancing future economic opportunities for the region.”

The Initiative’s primary goal is to first, help companies directly impacted by the closure of the mill. Secondly, it will work with companies indirectly impacted by the closure, to ensure their sustainability and employment opportunities.

“We are demonstrating our commitment to the Miramichi region and to the diversification of New Brunswick's economy,” said Public Safety Minister John Foran, on behalf of the Honourable Roly MacIntyre, Minister of Supply and Services and Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation. “We believe that strategic investments like this will help to set our province on a path to self-sufficiency.”

“This project directly meets our strategic goals as an Economic Development agency. It brings us together with our partners to assist the economic base of companies in our area to help ensure their long-term viability though improved processes, marketing, human resource and capital management,” said Pam Ward, Chairperson of Enterprise Miramichi.

ACOA is investing a total of $480,750 towards the $731,000 project, while the Province of New Brunswick is contributing $112,500 through the Regional Development Corporation and the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. In addition, participating companies will provide a total of $137,750 towards costs related to consultants and/or marketing.

for additional information, contact: 

Sharon Stanford-Rutter
ACOA
506-451-2677

Bruce MacFarlane
RDC
506-444-4606

Working directly with committee members, participants, businesses directly or indirectly impacted by the closure of the UPM Kymmene Kraft Mill in 2004, will each undergo an analysis of strengths and weaknesses. Industry experts will then be engaged to help assist with specific needs such as: productivity improvements, exploration of new markets, skills, technology acquisition and innovative product and service development. The ultimate objective is to enable participants to maintain or increase their current employment levels.