Through a collaborative effort, the Manitoba government is signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mosakahiken Cree Nation (MCN) and finalizing another MOU with Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) this week to work toward the development of revenue sharing that will see up to 45 per cent of revenues collected from timber dues returned to rights holders. The Manitoba government has signed a MOU with Mosakahiken Cree Nation. Tomorrow, the minister and provincial government representatives will be in the Opaskwayak Cree Nation to sign a similar two-year pilot agreement. This pilot agreement will allow both Cree nations, as well as the province, to test and assess the approach in preparation for a longer-term agreement.
Under these agreements, Manitoba will share up to 45 per cent of the dues collected for timber harvested in proximity to Mosakahiken Cree Nation and Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN), respectively. Timber dues revenue collected since Jan. 1, 2022, and up to June 30, 2024, will be within scope of the pilot agreement.
Canadian Kraft Paper, Louisiana Pacific and Spruce Products Ltd are the largest forestry operations in Manitoba, with approximately 1,450 direct jobs in Swan River and The Pas. Between 25 to 38 per cent of these jobs are held by individuals from Indigenous communities.