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Feds pledge $8.5M to strengthen Canadian wood product exports

The federal government today announced an investment of $8.5 million to Canada Wood Group to help strengthen the country’s wood product exports.

According to a government press release, the funds will help diversify and expand Canadian forest product exports to traditional and new offshore markets.

More specifically, this funding will enable market research, help with the transfer of technology, promote codes and standards to increase the use of wood in construction, and provide wood design and construction training in China, Japan, South Korea, India and Europe.

“The partnership between the government of Canada and Canada Wood and our funding partners has resulted in significant positive results leading to the growth of global markets for Canadian forest products. Canada Wood reflects the strength and diversity of the Canadian forest sector through a Team Canada approach that brings together industry in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and B.C. An example of our success is the 27-fold increase in lumber shipments to China, making it Canada’s largest market after the U.S. in less than 15 years. The government of Canada’s $8.5-million commitment to Canada Wood gives certainty to build on past successes and continue to diversify Canadian forest products and energy-efficient building systems to new markets,” said Bruce St. John, president of Canada Wood Group, in a statement.