Feds pump $5M into Great Lakes Forestry Centre
by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff
Scientists researching threats to Canada's forestry industry get a boost
SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont.—The Government of Canada has announced $5-million in new funding for Natural Resources Canada’s Great Lakes Forestry Centre in Sault Ste. Marie.
The funding will be used for energy-efficiency and infrastructure upgrades to the Centre, which conducts research on sustainable forest management, biological control of forest pests and diseases, forest productivity and forest fire research. For example, the Centre is working to combat the highly destructive emerald ash borer and other harmful pests that threaten the forestry industry.
“Our government is proud to support the re-emergence of our forest sector. In fact, since 2006, our government has invested an unprecedented $1.8 billion toward the ongoing transformation and renewal of the forest industry across Canada,” Bryan Hayes, MP for Sault Ste. Marie, said. “Today’s investment in science and infrastructure upgrades is welcome news for the scientists conducting leading-edge research at the Great Lakes Forestry Centre in Sault Ste. Marie.”
The government said the investment will help ensure Canada’s forest industry continues to support and create jobs.
Operating profits for Canada’s forest sector reached $2.7-billion in 2013, and the sector contributed $20.9-billion to Canada’s nominal GDP. The sector also employs over 216,000 workers across the country, including 43,000 in Ontario.
