The Provincial Government is issuing a new call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the commercial development of the timber resource and the establishment of a timber processing industry in central Labrador.

"The forest sector in Labrador holds significant opportunities for development and we are seeking to determine the level and type of interest that exists in pursuing secondary manufacturing and a value-added wood products industry," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Acting Premier and Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. "We are looking for proposals that maximize the value of the resource and include demonstrated markets and long-term plans for lumber production and full utilization of wood fibre."

This is the second call for Expressions of Interest to develop the forest sector in Labrador. The first was issued in 2007. That process resulted in three submissions and subsequent negotiations with one of the proponents; however, those discussions did not prove successful.

"We want to measure the level of interest in developing the forest sector in Labrador at this time, given the change in the global industry since 2007 when the original call went out," said Acting Premier Dunderdale. "Our goal is to create a diversified industry in Labrador for the benefit of the people in Labrador and we believe a secondary manufacturing enterprise and value-added wood products industry can succeed, given the right business plan."

Through the EOI process, the Provincial Government will assess submissions based on potential opportunities for commercialization of the forest sector as identified in the Strategic Plan to Develop Labrador Secondary Manufacturing and Value-Added Wood Products Industry. The independent study released in 2006 identified potential forestry operations suitable for Labrador, including a sawmill and manufacturing plant.

All Expressions of Interest must be completed in accordance with set terms and conditions and should include a detailed work plan describing objectives, priorities and timetables for implementation. The terms and conditions and mailing address are available on the department website at www.gov.nl.ca/nr/. Deadline for submissions is 4:00 p.m. April 16, 2010. For more information, please contact Colin Carroll, Regional Director, at 709-896-9377 ext. 223.

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