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BC, feds commit $7.9M to new wood products and markets

Fifteen forest industry trade associations and research institutes are receiving a share of a $7.9-million investment from the B.C. and federal governments aimed at promoting new wood products and new markets in Canada and abroad.

B.C. Forests Minister Doug Donaldson made the funding announcement in his opening remarks yesterday at the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) conference taking place in Vancouver this week.

“Advancing new products and markets for B.C.’s world-class wood products supports good jobs in over 140 communities throughout British Columbia,” Donaldson said. “Advancing innovation in wood products and wood technology supports our strategy to maintain B.C. jobs in B.C.’s forest sector.”

Of the total $7.9 million, $5.8 million is supporting efforts to expand markets in Asia and North America, while $2.1 million is earmarked for research, marketing, education and capacity building dedicated to the innovative use of wood and wood building systems in B.C.

Last year the B.C. forest sector exported $14.89 billion worth of products, nearly a third of the province’s total exports.

Minister of Forests Doug Donaldson kicks off the day’s sessions at #COFI2019 with an update on BC’s forestry efforts, remarking on the importance of collaboration between the #forest industry and the province in fighting #wildfires @COFI_INFO pic.twitter.com/VDwLe4WqDO

— CFIMag (@CFIMag) April 4, 2019