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Feds launch call for proposals for IFIT forestry innovation program

The federal government has launched a new call for proposals under the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program.

Investments in successful projects will help advance Canada’s forest sector bioeconomy and low-emission energy future while creating and maintaining jobs, says Natural Resources Canada in a statement.

The program supports the adoption of transformative technologies and product diversification, increases forest sector competitiveness and supports economic prosperity as the sector recovers from COVID-19.

For-profit companies located in Canada that either produce forest products in an existing facility (i.e. pulp, paper or solid/engineered wood products facility) or are/will be new entrants in the Canadian forest sector for the purpose of the proposed project are eligible to apply.

The IFIT program requires applicants to submit a diversity and inclusion plan as part of their project proposal submission.

Budget 2021 announced up to $54.8 million over two years, starting in 2021–22, to Natural Resources Canada to increase the capacity of the IFIT program, following increased uptake and successes in previous years.

In a statement, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) says it welcomes the federal investments.

“There is no path to a net-zero carbon economy without Canadian forestry solutions – and these solutions are anchored in our commitments to sustainable forest management and accelerating innovation,” says Derek Nighbor, FPAC president and CEO.

“For years, IFIT has been key in helping Canadian companies compete to win in the fiercely competitive global forestry innovation space. It supports made in Canada innovation to accelerate forest bioeconomy solutions, helps us create new products, and will provide new market and job opportunities for Canadians.”

Applications for IFIT will be accepted until July 22. All eligible organizations are encouraged to apply.