Government of Canada investment to accelerate growth in key sectors of the regional economy
May 10, 2019 - North Bay, ON - Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor
Manufacturers, producers and communities across Northern Ontario will benefit from jobs, growth and a strong economy thanks to a Government of Canada investment of $1,231,800. This FedNor funding will enable the Canadian Wood Council to support more than 200 construction projects, helping to create middle-class jobs and generating up to $126 million in wood sales.
The funding was announced today by Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor.
As part of today's announcement, $1.2 million will support the organization's highly successful Ontario Wood WORKS! program for a three-year period. Designed to position wood as an ideal choice and best value material for all types of construction, Ontario Wood WORKS! helps to deliver a range of technical support, as well as educational and marketing communication services across Northern Ontario. In addition, the initiative also helps to promote the use of wood in mid-rise buildings, and identify system solutions for the construction of bridges and low-rise commercial buildings.
The Canadian Wood Council will also receive $31,500 to hire a youth intern for a one-year period. Working as an events coordinator in Northern Ontario, the intern will support the planning and execution of various activities and events for Ontario Wood WORKS!, such as coordinating the inaugural International Wood Educator Conference, identifying education and training opportunities related to wood design and innovation, as well as hosting seminars, workshops and a wood solutions fair and awards gala.
"The Government of Canada is proud to support key sectors of the regional economy to accelerate growth and create high-quality, middle-class jobs for Canadians. By investing in Ontario Wood WORKS!, we are helping to diversify the regional economy, while maximizing opportunities for manufacturers, producers and communities throughout Northern Ontario."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor
"I'm thrilled that today's announcement will help create jobs, growth and a strong economy for families and businesses in North Bay, Nipissing-Timiskaming and all of Northern Ontario. I am proud to be part of a government that is supporting and promoting one of Northern Ontario's key economic sectors to ensure its sustainability for years to come."
- Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming
"The Ontario Wood WORKS! program is a proven economic driver that is helping to strengthen and grow Northern Ontario's forestry and value-added wood sectors. We are proud that our ongoing partnership with the Government of Canada through FedNor is generating meaningful results for the people, businesses and communities that depend on these important industries."
- Marianne Berube, Ontario Executive Director for Wood WORKS! at the Canadian Wood Council
Quick facts
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The funding announced today is provided through FedNor's programs, which support projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.
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Since its inception, Ontario Wood WORKS! has supported 641 projects, which influenced over $377 million in wood sales and created more than 550 jobs.
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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 2017 that Ontario's forest industry supports approximately 57,000 direct and 172,000 indirect jobs, while generating $15.5 billion in revenues from sales.
