FedNor invests $854,480 to help deliver the Canadian Wood Council Wood WORKS! program in Northern Ontario
News release
Federal funding to help create jobs and opportunities for forestry and wood-related industries across the region
July 27, 2023 – North Bay, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
Today, the Honourable Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming, announced a
FedNor investment of $854,480 to help the Canadian Wood Council (CWC) stimulate job creation and industry growth by facilitating the increased use of wood in construction. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.
This non-repayable funding will support the ongoing delivery of the CWC’s highly successful Wood WORKS! program in Ontario for a two-year period. Designed to position wood as an efficient, innovative, and sustainable material ideal for all types of construction, Wood WORKS! provides free technical support for wood construction projects. Wood WORKS! also develops technical content and continuing education opportunities for architecture, engineering, construction, and development professionals to expand their capacity for wood design and construction. By accelerating the adoption of wood in construction, the program is strengthening economic conditions for primary and secondary manufacturers, producers, and communities. Some of the program’s key strategic activities target the expanded use of wood in low-rise commercial construction, mid-rise buildings, multi-unit residential developments, and bridges. This priority project is expected to support 115 construction projects, create 750 jobs, and generate nearly $75 million in new wood sales for the industry.
Over the next two years, Wood WORKS! will focus on helping the forest products sector capitalize on new and expanding market opportunities in Ontario including: encapsulated mass timber construction, wood solutions for the rapid delivery of affordable housing, sustainable procurement policies from all levels of government, and workforce development.
Quotes
“I’m pleased that FedNor is investing in the Canadian Wood Council to strengthen our forestry and wood-related industries. Over the next two years, Wood WORKS! is expected to support 115 construction projects, create 750 jobs and generate increased wood sales by nearly $75 million. This is great news for families and businesses in Nipissing-Timiskaming and communities all across Northern Ontario that rely on the success of these key industries.”
- The Honourable Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming
“This investment will concretely support innovation in this vital sector for our regional economy. A lot of families in the region are counting on the good-paying jobs related to the forestry industry. We’re doing what it takes to protect these jobs and create new ones for decades to come. We’re here to help grow our economy, strengthen our communities and support families in Northern Ontario.”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
“Northern Ontario’s forest products industry is an important economic engine in the province and destined to be a central pillar of the emerging green economy. The Canadian Wood Council’s Ontario Wood WORKS! program is instrumental in turning potential into opportunity for the sector, driving demand for sustainable, low-carbon wood products in construction markets that directly support jobs and economic growth in the north. We deeply value our partnership with FedNor which enables the CWC to deliver valuable results for our industry, communities, and workers.”
- Rick Jeffery, President and CEO, Canadian Wood Council
Quick facts
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The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Regional Growth Through Innovation Fund (REGI), which supports the growth of Northern Ontario businesses, their expansion into new markets and their adoption of new technologies and processes.
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The forestry sector is a key employer in Northern Ontario, with the vast majority of the industry located within the region. Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry reported in 2020 that Ontario's forest industry supported 149,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs, while generating $80 billion in total revenue.
Associated links
Contacts
Zeus Eden
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Sarah Hicks
Communications and Outreach Manager
Canadian Wood Council | Ontario Wood WORKS!
shicks@cwc.ca
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