www,fpac.ca
There were a few notable parts of the federal budget that industry leaders see as creating opportunity for forestry workers and northwestern Ontario communities.
That’s according to Derek Nighbor, President and CEO of Forest Products Association of Canada.
Nighbor says he’s anxious to see more specifics on a government approach to what he calls a forest bioeconomy.
He notes $54.8 million over two years is being allocated to help facilities make a move to use wood and wood waste to create bioplastics and biofuels.
A $5 billion fund over seven years will be established to lower carbon emissions by modernizing local mills and heavy industry.
Nighbor says this will, “Lower carbon footprint and do good by the environment and also create job opportunities in construction and innovation and getting regular full-time employment.”
The FPAC adds the 2021 budget contains measures to encourage partnerships to help strengthen the forest sector.
Nighbor says there’s a huge opportunity in northern Ontario to work with First Nation leaders and communities.
“Number one to build capacity so those communities and those Indigenous workers can engage in the forest economy. Also, I would say programs to support capital. Whether those Indigenous communities want to get into tree planting, or hauling, or logging.”
The government is investing just over $42 million for Indigenous entrepreneurship and First Nation engagement in the forest economy.
Nighbor adds the industry must continue to work with the government to protect the jobs we have and to try and create more.
