The Media Room
Natural Resources Canada
2011/05
January 6, 2011
Harper Government Protects Jobs in Canada's Forest Sector
PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — The Harper Government today announced a new investment to protect jobs in Canada’s forest industry through the Pulp and Paper Green Transformation Program. The announcement will benefit Canfor Pulp Limited Partnership and was made by Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo–Prince George.
“Our Government's top priority remains the economy,” said M.P. Harris. “With the economic recovery still fragile, we will continue to take action to protect jobs in Canada, including the important forestry jobs in Prince George.”
As part of the Pulp and Paper Green Transformation Program, Canfor Northwood Pulp Mill in Prince George, B.C., will receive $100.2 million for three major equipment upgrades that will improve the mill’s energy efficiency. These improvements are expected to reduce odour, improve steam recovery and reduce the mill’s consumption of natural gas.
Despite signs of recovery in some segments of the forest sector, there remains a need to find new and more efficient ways of using wood, wood fibre and its byproducts. Today’s announcement is part of the Harper Government’s plan to improve the environmental performance and competitiveness of Canada’s forest industry by focusing on innovation and new product development that will ultimately expand market opportunities for Canadian pulp and paper related products.
“With today’s announcement in Prince George, our Government is continuing to implement our plan to support Canada’s forest sector and the Canadians who depend on it,” said M.P. Harris. “The Government’s investments are continuing our action to expand market opportunities for Canadian forest products, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help protect the jobs of the families who depend on our forest sector for their livelihood.”
Today’s announcement builds on the success of many initiatives that are helping to sustain and enhance Canada’s forest industry and the communities that depend on it. Budget 2010: Leading the Way on Jobs and Growth established the $100-million Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program to promote the development, commercialization and implementation of advanced technologies in the forest sector — helping create a world-class industry able to compete in the clean energy economy of tomorrow.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
M.P. Dick Harris announced today that the Harper Government is investing $100.2 million in Canfor’s Northwood Pulp Mill in Prince George, B.C., to help boost the forest industry’s environmental performance and competitiveness.
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