Masi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the biomass industry presents a great opportunity for the Northwest Territories. In May of this year, Aurora Wood Pellets got a legal title to 2.2 hectares of land in the Deh Cho, near Enterprise. Mr. Speaker, I've been a major supporter of biomass initiatives. Land tenure was a huge step towards developing a wood pellet plant in our region.
Mr. Speaker, a wood pellet plant would create much-needed jobs and help develop the local and regional workforce. The pellet mill is expected to produce at least 150,000 cubic metres of pellets each year and create 45 to 50 jobs, plus additional work for truck drivers and other spinoffs. The South Slave boasts excellent forest resources. Processing black wood for pellets is another way to benefit from the forest fires that swept through the area two years ago.
Mr. Speaker, community involvement and support is essential to Aurora Wood Pellets becoming a viable contributor to our economy. I encourage the Government of the Northwest Territories to do all it can to support stakeholders in establishing a wood pellet plant. New forest management legislation is needed to recognize the opportunities we have related to biomass and non-timber forest products in the NWT and the role of First Nations and all residents are stewards of the land.
Mr. Speaker, I remain hopeful that an agreement between Fort Providence and Aurora Wood Pellets can be reached. Meanwhile, I'm pleased that Fort Resolution has reached an agreement on timber supply and the community can look forward to the benefits of the proposed wood pellet mill.
Mr. Speaker, I applaud the determination and effort behind Aurora Wood Pellets' pursuit of this project and the community's willingness to come to the table. Mr. Speaker, it is our chance to diversify a sustainable economy and show the North and the rest of Canada what a success our biomass industry can be. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.