Government of Canada Funds Fight Against Spruce Budworm

BAIE-COMEAU, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - May 20, 2014) - Canada Economic Development

In reaffirming the Government of Canada's commitment to support the sustainability and dynamism of the forest sector as well as the health of the Canadian forests, a vital part of the rural economy, the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, announces the launch of the Strategic Initiative to Combat the Spruce Budworm Outbreak in Quebec (SICSBOQ).

This initiative stems from the $18 million over four years announced in Canada's Economic Action Plan 2014 for early intervention to prevent the spread of spruce budworm.

Quick facts

• The four-year SICSBOQ is to be delivered within the framework of Canada Economic Development's Quebec Economic Development Program.
• A non-repayable contribution of $6 million has been granted to Société de protection des forêts contre les insectes et maladies (SOPFIM), conditional on the signing of a contribution agreement between Canada Economic Development and SOPFIM. For 2014-2015, the organization will receive $1.5 million to help control the spread of spruce budworm in the Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie and Côte-Nord regions.
• In addition to allowing a larger area of the infested zones to be treated, the SICSBOQ will support the development of greater practical knowledge and experience to prevent the spread of spruce budworm.
• This new initiative is aligned with the Government of Canada's priorities of jobs and long-term growth and prosperity. The spruce budworm causes extensive damage to forests, and in taking action to prevent its spread, the Government of Canada is helping to contain an outbreak that could destroy thousands of hectares of forest resources and harm the silviculture industry, its workers and the rural communities that rely on the forest sector.

Quotes

"Through this Strategic Initiative to Combat the Spruce Budworm Outbreak in Quebec (SICSBOQ), our government is taking measures to support the forest sector, a key engine of the economy and a major supplier of jobs in Quebec and in Canada. By funding efforts to prevent the spread of these harmful insects, our government is fulfilling its ongoing commitment to improve the sustainability of our environment."

Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

"SOPFIM is pleased to contribute to the efforts of the Strategic Initiative to Combat the Spruce Budworm Outbreak in Quebec (SICSBOQ) put in place by Canada Economic Development. With this investment, SOPFIM will be able to implement a protection program for managed forests where the yield is being threatened by this insect. These plantations and open forests, which SOPFIM will protect through the aerial spraying of organic insecticides, represent the future of the wood supply in our forest industry, a vital economic sector for Côte-Nord, Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie regions."
Raynald Arial, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SOPFIM

Related link

Société de protection des forêts contre les insectes et maladies Web site: http://www.sopfim.qc.ca/en/index.php

Keep up with the latest news from Canada Economic Development by visiting www.dec-ced.gc.ca or subscribing to Twitter @CanEconDev.