OTTAWA – The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, today co-hosted the forest sector roundtable Paths to a Prosperous Future, Innovation and Markets with John Weaver, Chairman of the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) and FPInnovations. The discussion brought together representatives of government, industry and the research community to build upon the actions taken in the last two federal budgets to create a prosperous future for Canada's forest sector.
"Our government is committed to helping this industry address the challenges it faces. We will continue to support the industry and those who depend on it by promoting the forestry sector in international markets, by supporting innovation and research and development, by assisting its workers, and by delivering broad-based tax relief to consumers and businesses," said Minister Lunn. "We had a productive discussion today about how we will move forward together to achieve long-term prosperity for Canada's forest sector."
Presentations were made by forest industry experts on innovation and its potential impact on the future of Canada's forest sector. Board members of FPAC and FPInnovations, the world's largest public–private research partnership, contributed significantly to the discussions.
"We are very pleased at the continuing progress and commitment the government has shown today and in the last budget," said Dr. Ian de la Roche, President and CEO of FPInnovations. "Innovations and technology are certainly key to the forest sector's renewal and global competitiveness. FPInnovations, along with its research partners in universities and government research organizations, will work together to provide relevant technological solutions."
The roundtable also addressed immediate market challenges and how to position the forest sector to best take advantage of future growth opportunities, among other issues.
Today's roundtable is the latest Government of Canada initiative to engage forest sector stakeholders in building a more prosperous future for the industry. In addition, public consultations are currently underway to review the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers' draft Vision for Canada's Forests: 2008 and Beyond.
"Our government is fully committed to ensuring that Canada's forest sector maintains its place as a world leader in economic productivity and environmental sustainability," said Minister Lunn.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn today co-hosted a roundtable on the actions needed to ensure long-term prosperity for Canada's forest sector. Representatives of government, industry and the research community participated in the discussions that focused on the need for innovation and developing new markets for Canadian forest products.
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