The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) this week said that it is pleased to see Canada’s federal budget put strong emphasis on climate change initiatives, innovation, and research and development. The budget tabled by Minister of Finance Bill Morneau included a $1 billion fund over four years to support clean technology for the forest sector as well as other resource industries. The budget is also heavily investing in climate change and clean technology initiatives, including C$2 billion over two years for a Low Carbon Economy Fund and C$40 million to integrate climate resilient changes to building codes.

Minister Morneau said that forestry is a good example of a sector where the government can help to facilitate the shift to a cleaner economy and ensure good jobs in rural areas. 

"Canada's forest products industry is innovating and positioning itself to be part of the solution to climate change. We are producing an array of new innovative bioproducts that can replace materials made from carbon-intensive fossil fuels," said CEO of FPAC Derek Nighbor. "FPAC looks forward to working with Canada's forest product companies and the federal government to pave the way to a robust and low carbon economy."

The forest industry is one of the main employers of Aboriginal people, so FPAC is welcoming the commitment to better housing on Aboriginal reserves, and measures to help Aboriginal skills training.

"We also applaud the emphasis on the new Innovation agenda as outlined in this budget. Certainly our sector wants to work with government and be an important part of the clean technology and innovation conversation," Nighbor added. 

FPAC provides a voice for Canada's wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. The $59-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.