Federal Court - Christian Aboriginal Infrastructure Developments ...

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remained on the site for several months to oversee the operation. Mr. Brian Kerr was engaged as the
mill manager. Mr. Heit was in charge of sourcing wood supply. When the mill began operating on a
single shift, Mr. Kerr testified that 27 - 28 people were employed at the mill site. The employee
numbers would be doubled for two shifts.
[375] In or about October 1998, an initial proposal was made by SYFC for federal funding to
2010 FC 495 (CanLII)
assist in training the new employees of the mill. The application was made to the Transitional Jobs
Fund (“TJF”) of the Federal Government through Human Resources Development Canada
(“HRDC”).
[376] Also in November 1998, the Department embarked upon its process to develop THAs. This
process was planned to involve extensive First Nations and stakeholder consultations. This process
started with discussion papers and consultations about how the process should be developed. The
Department’s draft process proposal, entered as Exhibit D-81, Tab 227, noted that a FMP is the key
document before any THA can be authorized. Further, it is noted that only 50 percent of a mill’s
required timber is normally allocated in a THA.
[377] The representation relied upon by the Plaintiffs was made in July 1997. By October 1998
the Plaintiffs had already built the mill and commenced operations in Watson Lake. The draft THA
process proposal was not written until November 1998.