The Government of Canada Supports Innovative New Product Line at Tafisa Canada, Improves Domestically Sourced Building Materials

LAC-MÉGANTIC, QC, July 5, 2022 /CNW/ - There is no solution to climate change, biodiversity loss and a net-zero future that does not involve Canada's forests. Forests serve Canadians in innumerable ways: as stores of carbon, as habitat for wildlife, as necessary for human health and well-being, and as a source of employment and good jobs. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovation and transformative technology in Canada's forest sector to increase resiliency in the sector and to maximize what long-lived wood products can bring to a net-zero economy. 

That's why the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, is pleased to celebrate the inauguration of Tafisa Canada's new facility and its new lacquered panel line, called LUMMIA, in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec. The new line project is benefiting from $4 million from the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program, which supports Canada's forest sector in becoming more economically competitive and environmentally sustainable through targeted investments in advanced technologies.

This innovative project will reduce Tafisa's environmental footprint, including through the use of recycled wood,  thereby saving millions of trees every year. It furthers competitiveness in a new market while strengthening local supply chains and diversifying Tafisa's product line. The project consists of the installation and commissioning of the new product line, as well as performance upgrades to one of Tafisa's Lac-Mégantic facilities that supports hundreds of jobs. Tafisa's introduction of this lacquered panel line will not only add a new product line to their portfolio but also feature some of the most cutting-edge technology in North America for low-carbon building materials.

Natural Resources Canada's IFIT program facilitates the adoption of transformative technologies and products by bridging the gap between development and commercialization. IFIT-funded projects help diversify the forest product market through high-value bioproducts such as bioenergy, biomaterials, biochemicals and next-generation building products.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is pleased to be providing $4 million in investment for this innovative project in partnership with Tafisa. This funding represents an investment in jobs, clean growth and innovative forest technologies and products in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, and across Canada."

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Natural Resources

"We are very proud of these innovative projects, which will allow Tafisa to continue to distinguish itself in the market, pursue its commitment to its North American customers and offer them innovative and quality products. A special thank-you to our partners and our team for their efforts and energy, without which these achievements would not have been possible."

Louis Brassard 
Chief Executive Officer of Tafisa 

Associated Links

• Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program
• 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy
• Tafisa Canada

Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan)

SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

Contacts: Natural Resources Canada, Media Relations, 343-292-6100, [email protected], Keean Nembhard, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources, 613-323-7892, [email protected]