The Provincial Government is requesting proposals from qualified consultants to provide international marketing services to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy for the Newfoundland and Labrador sawmill industry.

The successful proponent will develop a comprehensive integrated marketing strategy that will support the diversification and export market for the solid wood products industry. The marketing strategy will also form the basis of the $1-million marketing component of the forest industry diversification program announced by the Provincial Government on April 25, 2008.

"We recognize the importance of the continued sustainable development and diversification of the forest industry to its viability, now and in the future," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. "The solid wood products industry has witnessed a number of challenges in recent years with changing global markets, the high Canadian dollar and increasing energy costs, but it remains a viable source of future economic and social value, provided we evolve with the changing circumstances and diversify."

The $14-million forest industry diversification program in Budget 2008 is intended to attract investment in the industry, stimulate new value-added product development and capture new markets. The solid wood products industry in Newfoundland and Labrador comprises two sectors: a sawmilling sector, which primarily manufactures lumber; and, a value-added manufacturing sector, which produces an array of products, such as flooring and cabinetry.

The integrated marketing strategy will include product opportunity identification and the development of a comprehensive marketing plan for the solid wood products industry, with emphasis on the sawmilling sector. The deadline for proposals is September 29, 2008.

"The forest industry in our province is evolving to meet the changing needs of the marketplace and to put the industry back on a solid footing with a strong and sustainable future," said Minister Dunderdale. "Our government continues to work with, and invest in, the forest industry as we move forward with our diversification initiatives."

The call for proposals and terms of reference can be found on the Provincial Government website at:

The terms of reference were developed by the Departments of Natural Resources and Innovation, Trade and Rural Development based on consultations held with industry as part of the ongoing review of the forest industry.

Further consultations with industry will be conducted by the consultant as part of the development of the marketing strategy.