News
FPInnovations Applauds New R & D Dollars
for Forest Sector Research.
POINTE-CLAIRE, Québec, Feb. 14, 2007: FPInnovations
applauds the federal government for its foresight and commitment to
the Canadian forest sector. The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural
Resources announced last week a substantial investment of $127.5 million
over two years to address long-term competitiveness in the forest industry.
Of this amount, Minister Lunn earmarked $70 million to promote forest
sector innovation and investment in the next generation of innovative
products and processes needed for Canada’s future competitiveness.
Investment will be directed toward the development and adaptation of
emerging and breakthrough technologies.
"This investment builds on recent action taken to strengthen innovation
in the forest sector through the merger of Canada’s three primary
forest sector research institutes, FERIC, Forintek and Paprican and
the creation of the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre of Natural Resources
Canada," said Ian de la Roche, President and CEO of FPInnovations.
"The Board of Directors of FPInnovations, representing large and
small industry members as well as provincial and federal governments,
will become an important voice in building the sector’s innovation
capacity. Innovation is key to the future success of the sector. Combining
the research capacity of the new institute with that of our many research
partners will enhance the development of technologies and processes
that will ultimately better equip our industry to face competition from
global markets."
"Canada’s forest sector is a significant player in the Canadian
economy with nearly 900,000 direct and indirect jobs. The forest sector
must continue to adapt to change. World-class innovation is critically
important and will better position our industry in the fiercely competitive
global marketplace," said John Weaver, Chairman of the Board of
Directors of FPInnovations.
About FPInnovations
FPInnovations is a not-for-profit world leader in creating science-based
solutions that support the global competitiveness of the Canadian forest
sector and that respond to the priority needs of its industrial and
government members. It is uniquely positioned to research, innovate,
and deliver state-of-the-art solutions that address all elements of
the sector’s value chain, from forest operations to consumer and
industrial products. Created through the merger of Canada’s three
primary forest sector research institutes, FERIC, Forintek Canada Corp.
and Paprican, FPInnovations also provides technical direction to the
Canadian Wood Fibre Centre of Natural Resources Canada. FPInnovations
counts over 600 employees with research laboratories in Quebec City,
Montreal and Vancouver, and technology transfer offices throughout the
country.
