Thank you for your question.
Canada's forest sector is a very important driver in rural areas, and our government remains committed to supporting forest-based communities as they adapt to transforming the forest sector. We're going to continue to make significant investments in support of the forest industry and sustainable resource management. We're seeing the results of these investments right across Canada, as you mentioned.
I was in Prince George where I attended the annual Council of Forest Industries convention. While I was there, I announced investments in two important programs that will assist the transformation of the forest industry through innovation and market expansion. Let me very briefly explain those two programs and why they're so important.
Investment in forest industry transformation supports Canada's forest sector in becoming more economically competitive and environmentally sustainable, and doing that through targeted investments and innovative technologies. Included in the announcement was funding for five unique projects across western Canada, each representing a Canadian first, or in some cases a world-first application of new technology. These new, really exciting projects will showcase Canada's leadership in pioneering new products and new expertise for the benefit of our country's forestry sector and for the communities that depend on it.
The expanding market opportunities program was designed to help create the thriving sector by growing international markets, promoting Canadian forest products as an environmentally responsible choice, expanding wood use in North American non-residential and mid-rise construction, and demonstrating that Canada is a world leader in sustainable forest management and a preferred source of sustainable forest products. So the funding will make Canadian forest products even more attractive and viable in the global marketplace.
We recognize the challenges facing the forestry sector. We've taken action through the economic action plan, and we've taken unprecedented investments to renew the forestry sector, so the $92 million over two years is part of that. I'm proud our government continues to support the jobs of hard-working Canadians in rural Canada.