Government Advances Economic Growth in Forest Sector with Call for Expressions of Interest for Low-Rise Wood Buildings

News release

September 10, 2018   Ottawa, Ontario  Natural Resources Canada

Investing in the long-term use of wood in Canada’s construction industry will increase the demand for Canadian wood products, create good, middle-class jobs for Canadians and help us achieve our climate change goals.
Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, today announced a call for Expressions of Interest for low-rise non-residential wood buildings aimed at driving an innovative and sustainable forest industry that will position Canada as a world leader in the low-carbon economy.
 
Natural Resources Canada received $39.8 million over four years in Budget 2017 for the implementation of a new national mass timber program, Green Construction Through Wood (GCWood), designed to encourage the use of wood as a building material. This program advances the ambitious goals set out in the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers’ Forest Bioeconomy Framework, which aims to make Canada a global leader in the emerging bioeconomy.

Over their life cycle, wood-based materials use less energy and emit fewer greenhouse gases and fewer pollutants than traditional, energy-intensive materials. Using them will reduce the overall carbon footprint of most buildings, helping Canada reach its 2030 climate change target and support its long-term commitments under the Paris Agreement.

The Expressions of Interest for low-rise non-residential wood buildings is now officially open and accepting applications, which are due by December 3, 2018.

Quotes

“Our government is investing in the GCWood program to increase market opportunities, create new jobs and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. GCWood helps to achieve this while also strengthening Canada’s forest sector, which is a major economic driver and employer for hundreds of communities, including Indigenous peoples.”

Amarjeet Sohi

Minister of Natural Resources

Associated links

Contacts

Vanessa Adams
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
343-292-6811
Vanessa.Adams@canada.ca

Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
343-292-6100

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