Fisheries and Land Resources
December 22, 2017
Provincial Government Announces Measures to Diversify Forest Industry
The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources, announced today initiatives to assist in diversifying the forest industry in Newfoundland and Labrador while meeting the Way Forward commitment to increase timber allocations and harvest levels by 20 per cent by 2020.
The following measures will be taken to support the forest industry. Additional details can be found in the backgrounder below.
- Provide $89,000 to the Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry Association Inc. to hire a consultant to prepare a strategic opportunity analysis, develop a strategy, and related research and development projects.
- Assist in the development of proposals to be submitted under the Federal Government’s $155 million Clean Growth in the Natural Resource Sectors program.
The forest industry in Newfoundland and Labrador contributes significantly to the province's Gross Domestic Product and employment. In 2016, the forest sector produced products valued at $382 million, and provided direct and indirect employment for over 5,000 people.
Quotes
“The expansion and diversification of the Newfoundland and Labrador forest sector has been identified as a priority objective within The Way Forward. The supports we are highlighting today will increase opportunities for economic benefits and employment for the integrated forest sector and for the entire province.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources
"The Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry Association currently represents over 90 per cent of the province’s production. Our members strongly believe the successful path forward for the province’s forest economy will come from a unified industry working strategically with government. We appreciate government’s support and look forward to being a sustainable voice for the entire provincial forest industry."
Bill Dawson
Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry Association Inc.
- 30 -
Learn More
The Way Forward: Realizing out Potential - www.thewayforward.gov.nl.ca/ 
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @FLR_GovNL
Media contacts
Connie Boland
Fisheries and Land Resources
709-637-2923, 640-6409
connieboland@gov.nl.ca
Bill Dawson
Executive Director
Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry Association Inc.
709-640-2485
bill@nlfia.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Supports to Diversify the Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry
Funding the Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry Association Inc.
Through the Forest Research and Innovation Fund, the Provincial Government will provide $89,000 to the Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry Association Inc. to hire a consultant to prepare a strategic opportunity analysis for the forest sector. The analysis will provide valuable information for the development of the provincial bio-economy. The association will work with the Forestry and Wildlife Branch to manage our forests in an ecologically sustainable manner. It will support the development of innovative new technologies and products that may become core components of the future forest industry.
Assist in the development of proposals under the Federal Government’s $155 million Clean Growth in the Natural Resource Sectors program
Natural Resources Canada recently announced a $155 million Clean Growth Program for clean technology research and development and demonstration projects in Canada’s energy, mining and forestry sectors. The program covers five areas focused on pressing environmental challenges and economic opportunities facing Canada's natural resource operations. Funding is open to natural resources and clean technology firms, federal researchers. Assistance will include the use of resources to develop awareness and expertise with industry to facilitate development.
2017 12 22 11:40 a.m.