The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) is asking the federal government to use Budget 2013 to continue to build on the existing momentum of innovation and transformation in the job-rich forest sector. Source: Sacramento Bee
This should include replenishment of the successful Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program.
The original IFIT program generated 107 applications and was over-subscribed by a factor of five, demonstrating the significant appetite by the Canadian forestry sector to develop and commercialize new innovative technologies in the areas of bio-energy, bio-chemicals and new solid wood projects.
About a third of these project applications were for world-first innovations. By investing CAD $300 million over the next three years in IFIT, the government will continue to support the ambitious Vision2020 agenda of the Canadian forest sector.
“We know the government is facing an era of fiscal restraint,” said president and CEO of FPAC, David Lindsay. “However by continuing to demonstrate support for our transformation agenda the government will maximize the return on its significant investment in industry transformation to date, help the Canadian sector lead the world in innovative products and unleash the potential of Canada’s vast forest resource.”
FPAC is also asking the government to improve innovation, productivity and competiveness by using the purchasing power of Public Works and Government Services Canada to kick start demand for existing and emerging forest products – from building materials to biofuels to pharmaceuticals.
It also wants the government to take action to increase the number of skilled tradespeople to help the forest products sector reach its goal of recruiting 60,000 new employees by 2020 as well as a number of other initiatives.
“We truly appreciate how the government has been there to help Canadian forest companies develop a dynamic future-oriented industry that is creating jobs and supporting rural communities,” said Lindsay.
“We need continuing smart and strategic support so the sector can reach the ambitious goals of our Vision2020 and become a world leader in supplying new innovative products to global markets.”
