Government of Canada Supports Forestry Industry

QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - April 9, 2013) - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, today announced the awarding of two financial contributions in support of Quebec's forestry industry.

"The Government of Canada supports Quebec forest industry aid organizations that, like FPInnovations and the Quebec Wood Export Bureau, promote innovation and market development and contribute to the diversification of the economy and job creation," said Minister Lebel. "The forestry industry is an economic sector that represents nearly 60,000 jobs in Quebec and it is crucial to support it," he added.

FPInnovations is a not-for-profit research centre that helps the Canadian forest industry develop innovative solutions based on the unique attributes of Canada's forest resources.

FPInnovations will use the funding from Canada Economic Development to acquire leading-edge equipment and design new products. Through this project, the research centre will help revitalize the Quebec forestry industry. It will also be able to enhance its research and development services as well as its production methods for the benefit of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in this sector.

The Quebec Wood Export Bureau (QWEB) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote value-added wood products from Quebec to new markets. It represents more than 200 exporting firms in nine forestry sectors.

QWEB will use the funds from Canada Economic Development to take part in trade fairs, exhibitions and prospecting missions, and to retain its employees.

"Our Government remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and of course, their personal financial security," concluded Minister Lebel.

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These non-repayable contributions from Canada Economic Development total $3,759,920 for FPInnovations and $1,000,000 for the Quebec Wood Export Bureau and have been granted under Canada Economic Development's Quebec Economic Development Program.

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