More than $1 million in funding will go towards supporting a project by the BC Wood Specialities Group (BCWSGA) that will promote market development.
The announcement was made on Tuesday afternoon at Mitsui Homes in Langley with
Langley MP Mark Warawa joining Michelle Rempel, the minister of state for western economic diversification at the press conference.
The total amount being provided is $1,003,326.
The goal of the project is to identify opportunities in western U.S., Mexican, Central and South American markets for value-added wood products, and prepare companies to participate in trade missions and trade shows in these markets. And by establishing a trade presence in other markets, this should enhance the sales of value-added wood products, thereby increasing exports, boosting foreign investment in western Canada and creating jobs.
“The collaborative effort by industry and government to grow these rapidly expanding regional markets for B.C. value-added wood products will result in increased sales, the expansion of B.C.’s secondary manufacturing capability and the creation of new jobs,” said John Gillis, the general manager of Taiga Building Products and chair of BC Wood.
“The wood products sector is one of the cornerstones of our economy and providing jobs and opportunities for economic growth,” Rempel said.
“By promoting the quality of locally manufactured wood products in new markets, this project will further enhance the sector’s value to our economy.”
“New regional markets in Western United States, Mexico and Latin America will be the first step towards increased sales and market diversification for many small and medium sized manufacturers of finished wood products in B.C.,” said Grant McKinnon, the past chairman of BC Wood and a partner at Pacific Homes.
“The next three years will be a time of rapid economic growth in these regions. With this new program and funding provided by WD, BC Wood and B.C.’s value-added wood products manufacturers will be well positioned to take advantage of that growth.”
