50 new jobs are expected to be created in the La Ronge area, as the Keewatin Community Development Association expands its operations into the non-timbre products markets.

The federal government is investing $975,000 to help the Association develop a sector for consumer products such as plants, fungi and other products which can be harvested such as teas and nutritional supplements.

“I think there is a real potential here where we can take the non-timbre forest products and develop it into a sector that contributes to the economy,” Keewatin Community Development Association Randy John said.

The funding will help the Association create the new jobs in production and sales, purchase equipment and develop marketing plans.

“It makes a big difference in trying to start a new sector, a new industry the non-timbre forest product sector. So, were trying to grow our understanding of what products can be harvested and what products can be marketed from northern Saskatchewan,” Johns explained.

Johns says the new jobs are aimed at diversifying the economy, largely dependent on mining.

With files from Braden Malsbury.

(Photo: Federal Minister Kristy Duncan announcing new economic development funding in La Ronge. By Braden Malsbury.)