The B.C. government plans to spend $8.4 million to help identify global markets for wood products, and will work with the forest industry to find more skilled workers.
“Diversification means better protection for B.C.’s economy – that's why your government has worked hard to diversify our export markets over the past decade,” said Premier Christy Clark in an April 5 press release.
“This approach has paid dividends. During that time, our wood exports to China alone have increased by 3,500 per cent to $1.4 billion in 2012, and become a significant driver of economic activity and job creation here.”
About $6 million of the money will go to nine associations, which operate market development programs in China, Japan, South Korea, the United States and other major markets.
Those associations include:
- APA – The Engineered Wood Association;
- B.C. Shake and Shingle Association;
- BC Wood Specialties Group;
- Canada Wood Group;
- Coast Forest Products Association;
- Council of Forest Industries;
- Western Red Cedar Lumber Association;
- Wood Pellet Association of Canada; and
- Wood Products Council.
The rest of the money will support B.C.’s Wood First program, which encourages the use of wood in construction projects in the province.
