Call launched for innovative forest sector technologies to help Canadian bioeconomy

Canada’s Ministry of Natural Resources is calling for proposals for innovative forest sector technologies under the Investments in Forestry Industry Transformation (IFIT) program.

The program aims to help Canada’s forest sector bioeconomy and an energy future of low emissions while creating and maintaining jobs throughout the country. The program supports transformative technologies adoption and product diversification, increases forest sector competition and supports economic prosperity during recovery from COVID-19.

The deadline for applications is Thursday, July 22, 2021. All eligible organization can apply.

This year’s federal budget 2021 earmarked up to $54.8 million over two years, starting in 2021–22, to Natural Resources Canada to increase the capacity of the IFIT program, following increased uptake and successes in previous years.

Investment in innovative forest sector technologies provides greener solutions that tackle climate change and help Canada reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Job creation in the forest industry is expected from investment, as well as means to lower emissions for a cleaner future for future generations.

“The Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program is helping lower emissions, create jobs and reach our climate goals,” Seamus O-Regan Jr., minister of Natural Resources, said. “We’re building a clean energy future and supporting workers in our forest sector.”