BWA members are eligible for the Forest Sector Safety Measures Fund to offset costs for COVID-19 safety. This is provincial funding supporting forestry jobs and worker safety.
Protecting the health of workers and the communities where they work is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19. We know Ontario’s forest sector is faced with the challenge of maintaining the manufacturing of essential products while ensuring safety measures are in place to protect the health and safety of staff.
To help small to medium sized forest sector companies overcome the economic challenges they face due to extra costs for the implementation of COVID-19 safety measures, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is pleased to announce the Forest Sector Safety Measures Fund (FSSMF).
The funding for this program is being provided by the federal government through Natural Resources Canada and will be delivered to Ontario companies through Ontario’s MNRF.
According to the program guidelines established by Natural Resources Canada, eligible companies must be primarily engaged in one of the of the following types of businesses as defined under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICs):
- 1131 (Timber Tract Operations)
- 1133 (Logging)
- 1153 (Support Activities for Forestry, excluding reforestation services)
- 321 (Wood Product Manufacturing)
- 322 (Pulp Manufacturing)
Applications are now open and can be accessed at www.ontario.ca/page/forest-sector-safety-measures-fund. The application deadline is Friday, February 12, 2021 by 4 p.m. EST.
Eligible companies that submit a completed application may qualify for funding of up to $75,000 equal to the lesser of:
- actual costs incurred between April 1, 2020 and February 12, 2021, OR
- $500 per Full Time Equivalent Employee.
The complete program guidelines are available at https://files.ontario.ca/mnrf-forest-sector-safety-measures-fund-fssmf-program-guidelines-en-2021-01-05.pdf.
Please note that companies who have already received funding under other Ontario or federal programs for COVID-19 related costs incurred at Ontario workplace(s) will not be eligible for funding under the FSSMF.
For further questions, please contact the Ministry by phone at 1-844-573-9017 or email at FSSMF@ontario.ca.
Ontario remains committed to encouraging its sustainable forest sector and working towards economic recovery as we continue to protect Ontarians from the spread of COVID-19.
Sincerely,
Wayne Barnes, Director
Forest Economics and Business Branch
Forest Industry Division
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
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