VANCOUVER, BC,
July 14, 2011
(Press Release) -
The Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced investments totalling $53.5 million to advance the transformation and evolution of Canada's forest industry.
These investments are part of the Harper Government's plan to improve the environmental performance and economic competitiveness of Canada's forest industry by focusing on innovation and new product development. This will ultimately expand market opportunities for both traditional and novel Canadian wood and pulp and paper products, while protecting Canadian jobs.
"We are continuing to invest in areas that will further the transformation of Canada's forest sector," said Minister Oliver. "Transformation and innovation are integral to building a more prosperous future for the many communities that depend on our forest sector."
While visiting FPInnovations in Vancouver, Minister Oliver announced seven projects for a total of $28 million funded through the Government's forest products programs: the Pulp and Paper Green Transformation program, the Transformative Technologies Research program, the Transformative Technologies - Pilot Scale Demonstration program and the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program.
Today's announcement in Vancouver also highlights a $25.5-million investment through the Transformative Technologies Research Program to FPInnovations for continued innovative new product and process development.
"Today's announcement is a strong commitment on the part of the federal government to help build and strengthen an innovative and diversified forest sector for Canada that will sustain job growth and economic development. This strong show of support for FPInnovations' research programs is critical to the development and deployment of emerging and breakthrough innovations necessary to transform the Canadian forest sector," said Alan Potter, Vice-President of FPInnovations. "With transformative technologies and strong partnerships, FPInnovations is contributing to the future of forestry in Canada."
These investments build on the ongoing national success of these three government programs. Continued support for broader forest sector transformation was provided in The Next Phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan, which provides $60 million over one year to renew programs that focus on forest sector innovation and market development. Furthermore, the recent announcement of the IFIT program's second Call for Proposals will lead to many more innovative projects such as those announced today. These initiatives complement previous and ongoing federal initiatives that are helping to sustain and enhance Canada's forest industry.
For more information, please visit canadaforests.nrcan.gc.ca.
