OTTAWA, Ontario – Natural Resources Canada (NRC) is accepting proposals for two separate funding programs created to help the forest industry get back on its feet after being knocked down by the coronavirus crisis.
“Canada’s resource industries are among the economic sectors hit hardest by the pandemic,” said Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s minister of natural resources. “We are taking action to help Canada’s forest sector keep people working and come out of this difficult period stronger than before.”
The NRC plans to invest nearly $83 million to help forest companies bridge the gap between new product development and commercialization through the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program.
About 13 million has been earmarked for the Indigenous Forestry Initiative. The IFI supports Indigenous participation in forestry-related opportunities, businesses, careers and governance.
Each of these three-year investments is designed to help advance Canada’s bioeconomy while creating and maintaining jobs in Indigenous and rural communities across the country.
The deadlines to apply for the IFIT and IFI programs are Aug. 13 and Aug 20 respectively. Learn more and apply at the Natural Resources Canada’s website.
Have something to say? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.