The Government of Canada has launched a $100-million Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program to help expand opportunities for Canada's forestry sector through the development of innovative projects and technologies. Stockwell Day, president of the Treasury Board, Minister for the Pacific Gateway and Minister Responsible for British Columbia, launched the program in Vancouver and made a call for proposals that could receive IFIT funding.

The purpose of the IFIT program, which was first introduced in Canada's Jobs and Growth Budget 2010, is to demonstrate and deploy new and advanced technologies in the forest sector through investments in innovative processes. Forest sector companies that have existing facilities in Canada, including those that have been recently affected by the global economic downturn, could be eligible for IFIT support.

The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) commended the Canadian government on the IFIT program. "Today's announcement makes it clear that the Canadian government understands that jobs in the forest industry can only be secured through transformation and that they are ready to play their part," said Avrim Lazar, president and CEO of FPAC.

According to FPAC, forest sector companies that have existing facilities in Canada, including those that have been recently shut down, could be eligible for IFIT support.

This program is consistent with Canada's international trade obligations, including the Softwood Lumber Agreement. Any costs associated with the production or export of softwood lumber products are not eligible under the IFIT program.

The announcement on Aug. 2 opened the first call for proposals under the IFIT program. Individuals interested in learning how to apply for funding under the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program should visit: forest-transformation.nrcan.gc.ca.