FPAC Applauds Government's Commitment to Innovation

  |  
June 15, 2016

The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) applauded the federal government’s launch Tuesday of an innovation agenda, calling it a critical pillar for the Canadian economy and the future of the $65-billion forest products sector.

Derek Nighbor, FPAC’s CEO, said the forest products sector will be leaning more than ever on innovation in the coming years, as the industry transforms into one that emphasizes bio-energy, high-rise wooden buildings and a wide range of new products that rely on forest products. Those new forest-dependent products will include everything from cosmetics to clothing to auto parts.

Mr. Nighbor added that Canada’s forest products sector will also need to remain innovative as it competes in highly competitive international markets and pursues its ambitious climate change goals.

“Innovation is what helped get our industry to where it is today, but it’s also a critical pillar for our future,” said Mr. Nighbor. “We salute the government for making this a clear priority and look forward to taking part in this important process.”

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, announced Tuesday a goal to make Canada a global centre of innovation. To get there, Minister Bains said the government will focus on six areas for action.

The government said it will spend the summer gathering input, then conduct formal consultations in the fall. Mr. Nighbor encouraged those in the forest products sector to participate where possible.

-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:

Simon Tuck

Senior Director, Public Relations

Forest Products Association of Canada

stuck@fpac.ca 613-563-1441 x314

Follow us on Twitter: @FPAC_APFC

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
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
December 23, 2021
Seeing the Opportunity in Canada’s Forests: Looking Ahead to 2022
that Canada’s forests, manufacturing facilities, forest products, and Canadian forestry know-how give our country an advantage that is the envy of most countries on the planet. Let’s use it.
Read This
October 28, 2021
International Wood Manifesto Launches in Advance of COP26
Growing Canada’s low-carbon future by building with wood.
Read This