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Forestry sector federal funding in the works

Dec. 12, 2016 - The federal finance committee discussed helping Canada’s forest sector through funding to support wood products use, climate change adaptation, fibre supply and perhaps SLA relief. The recommendations were released Wednesday in a pre-budget report.

The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) and Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc. (Al-Pac) informed the committee about the funding needed in the forestry sector. The committee issued its recommendations to the federal government to support those needs. 

The recommendation states that the Government of Canada should strengthen its commitment to the country’s forestry sector by supporting manufacturing, innovation and promotion of forestry products; ensuring the stability of wood supply; supporting investments that can improve competitiveness and address the climate change agenda; and explore possible support measures for Canadian softwood lumber producers if the U.S. government decides to impose taxes on lumber exports from Canada to the U.S.

According to FPAC, “nine jobs are created for every million dollars in value add in the forest industry.”

“We are pleased that the committee has recognized the need for an ongoing partnership between the federal government and the forest sector,” FPAC CEO Derek Nighbor said in a statement.

“Almost a million families across Canada depend on our industry for their economic wellbeing. I look forward to working with the federal government to help implement these committee recommendations,” he said.

The recommendations for the forest industry are included in a list of 81 overall recommendations by FINA, aimed at improving Canada’s economy via funding for various businesses and communities.

@FPAC_APFC cheers as Gov of Canada strengthens commitment to forest sector https://t.co/ZcNIqygcGk pic.twitter.com/DKJs4Gl9xv

— Heidi & Sandy (@TreeFrogNews) December 9, 2016

December 12, 2016  By  Tamar Atik