Forest Sector Seeks Federal Partnership To Support Innovation, Jobs & Environment

  |  
October 26, 2016

The Canadian forest products industry is asking for a formal partnership with the federal government to further the sector’s ongoing transformation and contributions to the government’s agenda, including combatting climate change and supporting middle class jobs.

The CEO of the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), Derek Nighbor, appeared today before the Finance Committee of the House of Commons as part of its pre-budget consultations.

“The forest products industry has a proven track record of delivering results. We lead the world in the way we sustainably manage our forests, we’re transforming our industry through research and innovation and we have a clear plan to fight climate change,” says Nighbor. “The federal government has been an important partner on this journey and we want to continue working together to develop new innovations, diversify markets and sustain and grow good jobs in rural and northern communities across Canada.”

FPAC is calling for an investment of $200 million over the next four years to build on the sector’s world-leading science, research and development. This would include renewed investment in FPInnovations and in granting councils to strengthen alignment with the research capacity in Canada’s colleges and universities.

To ensure game-changing products get to market, FPAC is also seeking $200 million over four years to build on the success of the government’s Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program which resulted in a number of world-first innovations and is helping to keep our sector competitive on a global scale.

The Canadian forest products industry is also looking for support to reach its ambitious climate change goals (Fpac.ca/30by30). To help expand the alternatives to products made by fossil fuels, FPAC is looking for a $250 million investment over four years to accelerate the deployment of clean technology. FPAC is also calling on the development of a bio-economy cluster to allow the industry to partner with other sectors on leading-edge innovation and to advance the fight against climate change.

Market diversification is critical to the future of our industry so FPAC would like to see a domestic and global strategy to further expand markets. This would include updating building codes to allow for taller wood buildings and investing $44 million over 4 years to renew the Expanding Markets Opportunities program to diversify global markets.

“The forest products industry value-add is 9:1 with every dollar of investment resulting in nine dollars in economic activity, much more than other sector,” says Nighbor. “The additional investments we are now asking for will enable our industry’s competitiveness, help us fight climate change and support jobs and families in rural and northern areas across Canada where the forest sector remains the lifeblood of communities.”

To see more about FPAC’s budget asks go to: Fpac.ca/advocacy

-30-

FPAC provides a voice for Canada’s wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. The $65-billion-a-year forest products industry represents 2% of Canada’s GDP and is one of Canada’s largest employers operating in hundreds of communities and providing 230,000 direct jobs across the country.

For more information contact:

Fiona McDonald

Communications Coordinator

Forest Products Association of Canada

fmcdonald@fpac.ca  613-563-1441 x 318

Follow us on Twitter: @FPAC_APFC

Read the Tree Talk blog: https://www.fpac.ca/forestry-news-canada/blog/

For more information contact:
Kerry Patterson-Baker
Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs
kpatterson-baker@fpac.ca
(613) 563-1441 x 314
Follow FPAC on Twitter: @FPAC_APFC
February 13, 2024
Canada’s Forest Sector Unveils Roadmap Toward Net-Zero at Globe Forum 2024
As global leaders representing government, business and the environment meet in Vancouver this week, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) has launched an important report
Read This
February 12, 2024
Recognizing Research Excellence: Canadian Forestry Innovation Awards Program Now Accepting Applications
The Chisholm Awards for Innovation in Forestry, now in its third year, is opening its doors once again to celebrate the innovative spirit and leadership of young students and researchers in Canada’s forest sector.
Read This
December 14, 2023
Canada’s Forest Sector Welcomes Federal Pre-Approved Housing Design Initiative
Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) welcomes the federal government's move to introduce a catalogue of pre-approved, ready-to-build housing designs
Read This
December 11, 2023
COP 28: Canada’s Forest Sector Unveils Roadmap to Support Climate Resilience and Emissions Reduction Targets
COP 28: Canada’s Forest Sector Unveils Roadmap to Support Climate Resilience and Emissions Reduction Targets
Read This
September 21, 2020
Lisa Raitt Honoured As Community Champion By Canada's Forest Products Sector
Forest Products Association of Canada recognizes former minister Lisa Raitt's leadership in the forestry sector with Forestry Community Champion award
Read This
November 13, 2019
The Search for Canada's Greenest Workforce
Canada's forest industry is a top employer and global leader in sustainability, forest management, clean technology and innovation
Read This
March 21, 2019
Standing Tall with Canada's Forest Workers on International Day of Forests
Forest Products Association of Canada celebrates forestry communities, workers and world leading forestry management for International Day of Forests
Read This
February 20, 2019
Opinion | Workforce Diversity - Canada's Forest Sector Branches Out
Forest Products Association of Canada embraces diversity and encourages women and indigenous to join the forestry workforce
Read This
September 11, 2023
Aaron Wilde: Blog 5: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Aaron Wilde: Blog 5: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Read This
September 11, 2023
Amanda Pacholczak: A Love Letter to the Mill: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Amanda Pacholczak: A Love Letter to the Mill: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Read This
September 11, 2023
Olivia Becher: Vlog 5: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Olivia Becher: Vlog 5: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Read This
September 11, 2023
Annika Clark: Working for Interfor Adams Lake: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Annika Clark: Working for Interfor Adams Lake: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Read This
August 10, 2022
Forest Products Sector Calls for Action on Critical Supply Chain Issues
Ask any business sector what the basic principles of supply chain management are – and the answer invariably comes down to affordable and reliable transportation services. Unfortunately for Canada’s forest products sector, the present system is neither affordable nor reliable.
Read This
March 29, 2022
Forestry Sees Opportunities in Emissions Reduction Plan
We will continue to work closely with the federal government on forestry solutions related to greenhouse gas emissions reductions, wildland fire mitigation plans, and national adaptation strategies.
Read This
March 21, 2022
Canada’s Forestry Sector Launches National Award to Celebrate Innovation
On the United Nations International Day of Forests, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) has launched a new national award to recognize youth leadership and innovation in the forest sector.
Read This
March 16, 2022
Getting Canada’s Economy Back on the Rails
Canada needs a resilient and predictable transportation system to meet increasing global demand for our products, keep workers working, and improve economic conditions in rural and northern communities.
Read This