Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor)
Consistent with FedNor’s core mandates, the OWPEA increases access to domestic and international markets, supports alliances to develop clusters, and encourages collaboration among its membership and sponsoring partners. The OWPEA is committed to creating employment and stimulating growth in the north through partnerships with community groups and not-for-profit organizations. By strengthening the exporting capacity for Northern Ontario’s wood product sector stakeholders, effective community economic development can be realized in the long-term benefits of enhanced business competitiveness and job creation.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)
The OWPEA has been created to directly influence the ability of the value-added wood industry to create and foster export markets, thereby enhancing member company fiscal viability and employment level requirements. This is expected to have the indirect result of maintaining, or creating new, employment opportunities for graduates of training programs created under the Ontario Wood Promotion Program. Bolstered production level demands will subsequently require capital investment in processing and innovation, which are initiatives already offered by the Ministry of Natural Resources to industry.
Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM)
The OWPEA’s mission to strengthen and expand the Ontario wood product industry fits well with the ministry’s mandate to enhance Northern Ontario economy and support northern communities.
By developing new export markets and strengthening linkages with manufacturers across the Province, the OWPEA can help Northern Ontario businesses to attract investment and pursue opportunities, and help to diversify local economies. By networking and collaborating with MNDM offices and strategic programs, the OWPEA will assist northerners in growing their economy, building strong northern communities, and creating job opportunities in the North.
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
The OWPEA is proud to have Natural Resources Canada as a partner; this government department supports innovation and expertise in forestry, as well as earth sciences, energy, minerals and metals, to ensure the responsible and sustainable development of Canada’s natural resources. This department was created by merging Energy, Mines and Resources with Forestry Canada in 1994.
The responsibility for natural resources belongs to the provinces of Canada, so as a province-wide association, OWPEA is committed to working with the NRCan to promote a growing and sustainable forestry industry for the international market.
