Canada makes last call for proposals for $100M Forest Industry Transformation Funding program

OTTAWA, July 6, 2011 (Press Release) - The Government of Canada today officially launched the second and last Call for Proposals under the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program. The IFIT program aims to support Canada's forest sector in becoming more economically competitive and environmentally sustainable through targeted investments in advanced technologies.

"While traditional forest products will continue to play an important role in the future, the commercialization and implementation of innovative technologies will lead to a more diversified product mix with higher value," said the Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources. "Such investments will build a more prosperous future for Canada's forest sector and the many communities that depend on it."

The $100-million IFIT program was announced in Budget 2010 and runs until March 31, 2014. It is open to companies that produce forest products and own existing manufacturing facilities in Canada. Under today's second Call for Proposals, highly innovative projects that significantly advance forest sector technology in Canada could be eligible for IFIT funding and may be submitted for consideration. The first Call for Proposals took place in the fall of 2010 with the selected projects to be announced at a later date.

The IFIT program is one of many Government of Canada initiatives to help Canadian forest companies develop new products and processes and capitalize on new international market opportunities. Another complementary federal initiative is the $1-billion Pulp and Paper Green Transformation Program. The IFIT program is consistent with Canada's international trade obligations, including the Softwood Lumber Agreement.

Individuals interested in learning how to apply for funding under the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program are encouraged to visit forest-transformation.nrcan.gc.ca.