Canada's forest sector is an important contributor to our national economy. Since 2017, Canada's softwood lumber exports have been subject to unfair and unwarranted U.S. duties, and they now face the threat of additional unjustified trade barriers. It is now more important than ever to support Canadian businesses so that they can innovate, diversify and expand their markets to continue to support thousands of jobs in hundreds of communities across the country.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced a total investment of over $20 million for 67 projects that will help to boost the competitiveness and resiliency of British Columbia's forest sector while growing wood product exports.
The investments announced today include:
- over $11.3 million in funding through the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program for six projects that will facilitate the adoption and commercialization of new technologies, focusing on the production of innovative, low-carbon products that result in new or diversified revenue streams
- over $7 million in funding through the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) program, for 50 projects that will advance economic development opportunities in the forest sector for Indigenous communities while strengthening Indigenous leadership and participation in forest stewardship
- over $1.6 million in funding under the Green Construction through Wood (GCWood) program for nine projects that will promote the adoption and commercialization of wood-based products in the construction sector
- over $600,000 in Global Forest Leadership program funding for two projects that will strengthen international partnerships with like-minded organizations by sharing Canadian expertise and decreasing market barriers for sustainable forest products
The Government of Canada will always stand up for Canadians and Canadian industry, and that very much includes the forest sector. The investments announced today will support leadership, innovation and sustainable practices in the forest sector while creating significant economic and environmental benefits for British Columbians and Canadians
