The Harper government is focused on what matters to Canadians - jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. That is why, during National Forest Week, our government is highlighting our unprecedented support for energy efficiency, innovation and jobs in the Canadian forest and wood products industry.
This industry is not only part of our heritage, but a critical economic driver and valued source of skilled employment. In fact, the forest industry accounts directly for 234 000 Canadian jobs. Strategic investments over the past six years are helping companies innovate to increase trade and Canadian jobs at home.
The measures put in place by our government have helped result in a 1000 per cent increase in the value of Canadian softwood lumber exports to China between 2007 and 2011. Economic Action Plan 2012 committed $105 million over two years to continue our support of the forest industry's ability to market products in key markets such as Asia and Europe.
Our government also made the largest investment in the history of the Canadian forest and wood products industry through the Pulp and Paper Green Transformation Program. We are committed to working with industry and the provinces to help strengthen opportunities for our forest sector to create jobs and growth.
The Harper Government realizes that despite our economic strength, the global economy remains fragile - especially in Europe. We are not immune to global challenges and are working hard to keep Canada's economy growing, while keeping taxes low and returning to balanced budgets.
We also know that, over the next 10 years, as many as 600 projects worth more than $650 billion are planned or proposed in the natural resources sector across Canada. No other country in the world has the potential for natural resource projects of this scale or this pace - creating an unparalleled opportunity for investors that create jobs.
We are on the right track for creating jobs and economic growth. In fact, almost 770 000 net new jobs were created across Canada since July 2009. We are proud that 90 per cent of these new positions are full-time. We will continue with our plans for Responsible Resource Development to support jobs in the natural resources sector including forestry.
Few countries are blessed with such an abundance of natural resources. In fact, 10 per cent of the world's forest cover is found here. Canada has more certified sustainably managed forests than any other country. Our ambitious trade plan that will create Canadian jobs across our country is vital to Canada's future prosperity.
Dick Harris, MP (Cariboo-Prince George)
Chair, National Conservative Forest Caucus
