TORONTO — The Ontario government is providing $5.3 million in funding to help small- and medium-sized forest sector businesses offset the cost of COVID-19 safety measures.

Wood product manufacturing companies with fewer than 500 employees that will have spent at least $1,000 on COVID-19 health and safety measures between April 1, 2020, and Feb. 21, 2021, are among businesses invited to apply through the Forest Sector Safety Measures Fund. Qualified companies can receive up to $75,000. Eligible expenses include setting up sanitizing stations, providing enhanced cleaning, additional worker training, measures to increase physical distancing, and to purchase personal protective equipment.

"Our government is committed to the ongoing economic recovery and growth of the forestry industry," said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. "This funding will help businesses within this crucial sector overcome the economic challenges they face, ensuring they can continue to keep their doors open, while protecting workers and the communities where they live."

Other types of businesses eligible for the funding include logging, sawmilling and composite panel manufacturing.

For information on program eligibility and timelines, visit ontario.ca/forestsafetyfund.