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NDP promises investments in forestry jobs, innovative research

 The federal NDP party would make key investments in Canada’s forestry sector to create jobs and support innovations aimed at providing long-term sustainability for the industry, if elected to form a government in October’s election.

“We need to ensure Canada’s forestry sector remains innovative and competitive to create the highly skilled jobs needed to move the sector forward,” said NDP leader Tom Mulcair.
According to CBC News, Mulcair attached a value to this promise, saying the NDP will invest $105 million over three years into programs for Canada’s forestry sector.
A statement from the party says that Mulcair would work with the forestry sector to leverage private sector investments and create new opportunities.
In comparison, the federal government, during Stephen Harper’s term as prime minister, has made available $190 million in funding for forest industry transformation since 2010 through the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) Program. The $1-billion Pulp and Paper Green Transformation Program which wrapped up in 2013 was also an initiative of the Conservative government.