Protecting the health of workers and the communities where they work is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and the government has said it knows 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) announces 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.
Applications are now open and can be accessed at www.ontario.ca/page/forest-sector-safety-measures-fund.
The application deadline is Friday, Feb. 12 by 4 p.m. EST.
Eligible companies 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.
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 information, please contact the Ministry by phone at 1-844-573-9017 or email at FSSMF@ontario.ca.
“We look forward to receiving your application and invite you to share this information with your forestry business contacts who may be eligible for funding under the program.
“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.”
