Canada's forest sector and forest-dependent communities are facing unprecedented challenges. The forest sector is dealing with issues such as rising energy costs, a strong Canadian dollar, new international competition and reduced timber supplies. Communities that depend on the forest sector are feeling the cumulative impact of these challenges. In July 2007, Natural Resources Canada initiated the Forest Communities Program (FCP) will help these communities develop the tools, approaches and strategies that they need to respond to the new challenges facing Canada's forest sector.
The FCP will encourage innovation. The $25-million program will provide initial five-year funding to 11 forest-based community organizations across Canada to develop and share knowledge, tools and strategies to address transitional challenges and capitalize on emerging forest-based opportunities. Matched funding from other collaborating organizations is a requirement for FCP project funding under the program.