Byrne Announces $9.6 Million for Plan to Develop Forest Sector and Create Jobs

Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources Gerry Byrne announced $9.6 million in funding to create jobs and develop forest sector products and markets.

The funding is part of a plan to support employment in rural communities and help open new markets and products for renewable, resource-based businesses during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

New initiatives include:

• $5.7 million for forest industry development projects;

• $400,000 for secondary forestry processing innovation pilot projects; and

• $3.5 million to establish forestry biomass market opportunities.

Funding for these initiatives is expected to generate more than 100 seasonal and permanent jobs in the forest sector.