Minister Talks Diversification and Innovation at National Forestry Conference

The Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, promoted forest industry diversification and innovation today while speaking to delegates at the national Canadian Institute of Forestry Annual General Meeting and Conference.

“Our government is committed to further linking forest management activities to product innovation and markets,” said Minister Marshall. “We continue, for example, to support our Centre for Forest Science and Innovation to advance forest-related research in the province. We have also made significant investments to help expand our university in Corner Brook to encompass three new environmental research labs dedicated to forestry and agriculture.”

More than 250 forest professionals from across Canada are attending the three-day event, Uncharted Waters Revisited – Laying a New Course for a New Forest Industry, being held at the Pepsi Centre in Corner Brook. A national awards banquet, including the presentation of the Prince of Wales Award for Sustainable Forestry, is one highlight of the conference.

The Provincial Government provided $20,000 to support the 105th Canadian Institute of Forestry Annual General Meeting and Conference. The annual event continues in Corner Brook until Wednesday.

The Canadian Institute of Forestry is the national voice of forest practitioners, providing national leadership in forestry. The institute promotes competence among forestry professionals, and public awareness of Canadian and international forestry issues.

The forest industry in Newfoundland and Labrador generates 5,100 direct and indirect jobs, located in all areas of the province, and is valued at $250 million annually.

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Media contact:
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca 

2013 09 16             11:55 a.m.