OTTAWA, June 1, 2017 /CNW/ - Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) is pleased that the Government of Canada has launched initiatives to ensure the forest sector remains competitive in the face of the unwarranted duties implemented by the U.S. on softwood lumber.
"We appreciate that the federal government is standing tall for Canadian forestry communities by launching a comprehensive package in the face of trade actions that we believe are without merit." said Derek Nighbor, CEO of Forest Products Association of Canada. "This support will assist our efforts in continuing to transform our sector, diversify our markets, and support our workers."
The federal government announced $867 million in initiatives to support the forest sector including:
- federal loans and loan guarantees to complement provincial efforts;
- efforts to expand overseas markets and promote the diversification of Canadian wood products;
- helping Indigenous communities and organizations improve the performance of their forest sector initiatives;
- providing a temporary extension of the maximum period for Work-Sharing agreements from 38 to 76 weeks in order to reduce layoffs; and
- expanding support to help affected workers upgrade their skills and transition to new opportunities.
"We are a proud Canadian industry with a track record of providing good jobs in rural and northern Canada, while sustainably managing our forests for generations to come," added Nighbor. "These actions by the federal government are a critical step as we work to secure a strong forest sector of tomorrow."
FPAC provides a voice for Canada's wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. The $67-billion-a-year forest products industry represents 2% of Canada's GDP and is one of Canada's largest employers operating in hundreds of rural and northern communities, providing 230,000 direct jobs across the country.
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SOURCE Forest Products Association of Canada
Richard Walker, Senior Director, Communications and Public Affairs, Forest Products Association of Canada, [email protected], 613-563-1441 x 314; Fiona McDonald, Communications Coordinator, Forest Products Association of Canada, [email protected], 613-563-1441 x 318
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