A set of priorities for Canada’s forest sector might earn a place in the Federal government’s budget, a…
A set of priorities for Canada’s forest sector might earn a place in the Federal government’s budget, a report by Reuters confirmed. Finance Minster Jim Flaherty says consideration will be given to emergency aid to sectors other than the automotive industry.
“I’m sure we’re going to review that in our discussions because there are other sectors of the economy that are weak, like forestry,” Reuters reported Flaherty as saying.
The Forest Products Association of Canada identified five priorities it deems ‘urgent’ for address by the government in its next budget in order to stabilize the sector. “Government can’t let the current financial meltdown become an industrial meltdown,” FPAC CEO Avrim Lazar said. “Inaction isn’t an option. What we need is smart spending and bolder economic policies to make sure our industry not only perseveres but is able to capitalize on the investments it has already made.”
Included in its list of actions is a move to ensure forest manufacturers have access to credit, tax incentives for investment and innovation, and an extension of the Employment Insurance Work-Sharing Program.
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