$4.2M Mtis business fund launched

Saskatchewan Mtis leaders are hoping a new fund will help stimulate business development.

It's long overdue.- ShirleyIsbister, president,Central Urban Mtis Federation

The MtisCommunity Capacity Strategy, launched Tuesday by the Clarence Campeau Development Fund, means nine groups from across the province, from Saskatoon to Prince Albert to La Loche, can access $4.2 million over the next five years.

The seed money is intended to create new businesses owned or partially owned by local development corporations.

"It's long overdue. It's been needed for years," said Central Urban Mtis Federation president Shirley Isbister.

She said the increased revenue from the businesses will help finance badly needed social programs in housing, health and other areas.

Beauval Mayor Nick Daigneault said many good jobs have been lost in the northern village as a result of the resource downturn. He hopes the fund will help new businesses start in tourism, forestry and other sectors.

"A lot of people have been affected. This opens new doors," Daigneault said.