Governments of Canada and Quebec Take Additional Action to Further Address Immediate Forest Sector Challenges

MONTREAL, QUEBEC, Apr 20 (MARKET WIRE) --
Support for Quebec's forest sector will be accelerated through the
creation of a Canada-Quebec Forestry Task Team announced today by the
Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, and the
Honourable Claude Bechard, Quebec's Minister of Natural Resources and
Wildlife.

"Our Government is extremely concerned about the difficulties facing the
forest sector, and the workers and communities that depend on it, both in
Quebec and across Canada," said Minister Raitt. "We will be working
closely with the Government of Quebec to coordinate and fast-track
initiatives that will support the forest sector and the businesses and
jobs that depend on it."

"We want to act swiftly and we want our actions to make a real and
immediate impact. We wish to offer a glimmer of hope to the workers, the
communities and the businesses who are in need," concluded Minister
Bechard.

Ministers Raitt and Bechard have tasked senior officials with ensuring
the implementation of investments being made are accelerated and will
leverage the benefits of programming for the greatest impact. This will
provide immediate support and will position the industry for long-term
success and prosperity. The ministers have asked their officials to
report on their progress by May 15, 2009.

The Canada-Quebec task team will focus work on six areas:

- Forest management and silviculture;

- Supporting forest workers and communities;

- Access to credit;

- Technology and innovation;

- Value-added manufacturing; and

- Market development for wood products;

Minister Raitt also announced funding of approximately $211 million for
Quebec through the $1 billion Community Adjustment Fund for communities
affected by the economic downturn. The forest sector has been identified
as one of the priority areas and will benefit substantially from this
funding.

"There are already a number of options available to us, including the
Community Adjustment Fund contained in our Economic Action Plan," said
Minister Raitt, "The challenge is to now ensure these supports go to the
people who need them most as efficiently and effectively as possible."

The Community Adjustment Fund is part of the Government's Economic Action
plan and provides $1 billion over two years to create jobs and maintain
employment in communities that have been strongly affected by the
downturn in the economy. This fund will build on the good work of
existing federal programs including the Community Development Trust, the
$170-million fund for forest product market diversification and
innovation, and programs delivered by Canada's Regional Development
Agencies.

The following backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media

Community Adjustment Fund

Government of Canada Support for the Forest Industry announced today: A
Canada-Quebec Forestry Task Team

NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at
www.nrcan.gc.ca/media.

Contacts:
Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa
Jasmine MacDonnell
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
613-996-2007

Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa
Media Relations
613-992-4447

Office of Claude Bechard
Pascal Dastous
Director of Communications
418-643-7295

Ministere des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune
Quebec
Media Relations
418-627-8609

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