Investing in Canada’s Forest Sector – Forest Innovation Program and Expanding Market Opportunities Program

1. Forest Innovation Program (FIP) aims at supporting the goal of sustainable natural resource development by enhancing the long-term economic opportunities for Canada's forest sector through increased investment in forest innovation.
2. Expanding Market Opportunities (EMO) aims at maintaining and growing international wood product markets, expanding wood use in the North American non-residential and mid-rise construction market, and promoting the strong environmental credentials of Canadian forest products.

Expected outcomes for FIP:

FIP outcomes over which the program has some direct control are:

• The Canadian forest sector adopts innovative products, processes and technologies;
• Forest products, process, and technology innovations are developed for the forest sector; and,
• Federal and federally-funded research address innovation needs of the forest sector in a coordinated manner.

• Forest-sector innovation programs address key opportunities and threats facing Canada's forest sector;
• The attributes of forest products are supported by science-based evidence; and,
• Broad engagement of stakeholders in forest-based research.

Expected outcomes for EMO:

In the long-term, EMO will contribute to:

• Diversified Canadian wood products markets and market segments (e.g., recreational, commercial and institutional buildings as well as wood/hybrid mid-rise buildings).

• Enhanced capacity for builders, architects and specifiers to use Canadian wood products;
• Greater recognition of Canada abroad as a preferred supplier of wood products;
• Regulatory acceptance/recognition of Canadian wood products and building systems in building codes, standards and policies;
• Forest companies explore and pursue opportunities in target markets; and,
• Canadian forest products are considered to be an environmentally responsible and preferred choice in target markets.

• Regulatory agencies and buyers of Canadian forest products have the information they need to determine product performance and environmental credentials;
• Industry has information to identify market changes and pursue market opportunities;
• Industry supports EMO market development activities;
• Cooperation/coordination is increased among key stakeholder groups;
• Increased awareness of Canadian forest products and construction technologies; and,
• Signatories of the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement (CBFA) have the science they need to advance the science and policy objectives of the CBFA.

FIP: The primary recipient of contributions is FPInnovations, a not-for-profit national forest research institute.

EMO: Eligible recipients include not-for-profit forest products associations (engaged in forest product promotion and exports), manufactured housing associations, provinces, provincial Crown corporations, and not-for-profit organizations engaged in forest product research.

EMO issued its call for proposals by email on November 3, 2015, to all applicants registered in the program’s online system. The email included two background documents: the Handbook for Applicants and the Evaluation Process and Criteria.

There is no open call for proposals through FIP. Officials meet with the principle named recipient, FPInnovations, on a regular basis, including the Assistant Deputy Minister of NRCan’s Canadian Forest Service, who is an observer on the FPInnovations Board of Directors. Any other potential funding recipients are engaged directly by program officials as well.