THUNDER BAY, ON - November 26, 2009 - Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry Minister Michael Gravelle announced today at Lakehead University’s Innovation Centre the release of 11 million cubic meters of wood to a new competitive process for new businesses that want to create jobs through value added forest products and the bio-energy sector.

This is a “bold step but a timely one”. Minister Gravelle announced. “We want to put Wood to Work “, he exclaimed in front of an audience of government and business officials.
This announcement comes after a previous wood competition that was to release under-utilized wood and has now been expanded to include wood that was previously used by mills now closed. The wood used by current operating mills will be protected but there will be a time-limit to show use of this wood.

This is a great opportunity for community partnerships to bring the wood they require right to their doorsteps and make their opportunities viable. It also sets up nicely the potential for a community forest concept.

The opportunity coincides with the Feed-In Tariff competition for the opportunity to produce power from biomass which closes on November 30th.

Interested candidates for the wood supply competition have until March 3 to submit their applications and the criteria is to be available today on the MNDM& F website.