Feds to invest to bring forest products to market

QUEBEC CITY ― The federal budget for 2019 allots up to $91.8 million over the next three years to a Forest Innovation Program. Natural Resources Canada says the proposed investment will aid innovation and growth in Canada’s forestry sector, while supporting the adoption of new technologies. Paul Lefebvre, parliamentary secretary to Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi, made the announcement on a visit to the offices of forestry research institute FPInnovations, which is to receive $22.7 million to fight climate change. That investment includes $20.4 million to bring new forestry products to market and $2.3 million for research to protect market access and improve environmental performance. The government “values innovation and is committed to supporting middle-class jobs and strong rural and Indigenous communities,” said Lefebvre. “By continuing to fund existing innovation and forest sector diversification programs through Budget 2019, we are helping Canada’s forest products industry increase and diversify their market opportunities”.