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 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 so they can continue to support thousands of jobs in hundreds of communities across the country.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, along with François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance, announced a total investment over $13.3 million for 28 projects that will help to boost the competitiveness and resiliency of Quebec's forest sector while growing wood product exports.
The investments announced today include:
- Nearly $10.8 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 $2.5 million in funding through the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) program for 22 projects that will advance economic development opportunities in the forest sector for Indigenous communities while strengthening Indigenous leadership and participation in forest stewardship.
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 Quebecers and Canadians.
