Canada announces new forest industry funding

Aug. 4,
2010, Ottawa, ON – The government of Canada has launched a $100-million
Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program to help expand
opportunities for Canada's forestry sector through the development of
innovative projects and technologies. The purpose of the IFIT program, which
was first introduced in Canada's Jobs and Growth Budget 2010, is to demonstrate
and deploy new and advanced technologies in the forest sector through
investments in innovative processes. The goal is to encourage the development of
a wider range of innovative technologies, which would help secure a more
prosperous future for Canada's forestry industry and the communities who depend
on it. Forest sector companies that have existing facilities in Canada,
including those that have been recently affected by the global economic
downturn, could be eligible for IFIT support.

The IFIT program will
complement previous and ongoing investments by the Government of Canada such as
Sustainable Development Technology Canada's Clean Technology Fund. The program
is consistent with Canada's international trade obligations, including the
Softwood Lumber Agreement. Any costs associated with the production or export
of softwood lumber products are not eligible under the IFIT program.

The first call for
proposals under the IFIT program is now open. Individuals interested in
learning how to apply for funding under the Investments in Forest Industry
Transformation program are encouraged to visit: forest-transformation.nrcan.gc.ca.