The Media Room

Natural Resources Canada

2010/06

February 1, 2010

Statement by the Honourable Christian Paradis, P.C., M.P. Minister of Natural Resources concerning Canada's forest industry

Diversification is the key to a prosperous future for Canada’s forest sector. Particularly, the development of biomarkets offers a wealth of possibilities. The forest sector of tomorrow will produce everything from solvents and plastics to heat and fuel.

Since 2006, our Government has been making significant investments to help transform Canada’s forest sector. As a key collaborator in the BioPathways research project, we are helping drive the future of the forest sector by developing new, Canadian biotechnologies. In this way, our Government is looking to tomorrow’s markets today.

The $1-billion Pulp and Paper Green Transformation Program is helping companies become leaders in the production of renewable energy from forest biomass.

With a $292.5-million investment, $170 million of which came through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, we are expanding new domestic and international markets, advancing innovation and helping FPInnovations develop the next breakthrough technologies.

Our Government is working with partners such as the Forest Products Association of Canada and FPInnovations to build a world-class industry that is a driver of growth and a leader in the clean energy economy of tomorrow.

Media may contact:

Mary-Ann Dewey-Plante

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister

Natural Resources Canada

Ottawa

613-996-2007 or 613-218-6961 (mobile)

or

Media Relations

Natural Resources Canada

Ottawa

613-992-4447

NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media/index-eng.php.