How much funding can be received?

The Mesure d’accompagnement et de soutien technique (MASTE) is a support measure aimed at Quebec forest enterprises facing a shortage of skilled labor. The program provides financial assistance for hiring external specialists to offer tailored technical interventions, improve forest operations, and implement innovative solutions, including technology transfers and lab tests to validate applicable technical solutions in production settings. Eligible activities include technical diagnostics, technical services, and technology transfers.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant is available exclusively to companies that have an establishment in the Province of Quebec, Canada. It is designed to support the specific needs of the Quebec forestry industry.

Businesses located in the Province of Quebec.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$40,800

Development of a new supply chain model to reduce costs and enhance product delivery

$42,000

Hiring specialists to diagnose and improve milling operations to boost efficiency

$38,000

Introduction of automated sorting equipment to enhance the efficiency of lumber production

$36,500

Implementation of new biomass conversion technology to optimize energy use in forest operations

$31,500

Improving reforestation techniques through technical diagnostics and technology transfer

$33,000

Upgrading logging equipment with new technology to increase operational safety and efficiency

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and industry sector.

The applicant must be a legally constituted and registered for-profit company or non-profit organization in Quebec.
The applicant must have an establishment in Quebec where the project-related activities will be conducted.
The applicant must be engaged in the forest industry, specifically in one or more of the following sectors:
- Harvesting of wood
- Transport of wood
- Wood yards (including enhancement and transit centers)
- Pulp and paper
- Bioproducts
- Panels
- Sawmilling
- Wood construction
- Bioenergy
- Manufacturers of wood products

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant is designed to support forest enterprises in Quebec facing a shortage of skilled labor by providing financial assistance for hiring external specialists to enhance forestry operations and technologies.

Profit and non-profit organizations legally constituted and registered in Quebec.
Enterprises must have an establishment in Quebec and operate within the forestry industry, specifically in sectors such as wood harvesting, wood transport, wood yards (including valorization and transit centers), pulp and paper, bioproducts, panels, sawing, wood construction, bioenergy, and wood product manufacturing.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Some enterprises are not eligible for the MASTE grant due to their financial status or previous non-compliance with government contracts. These exclusions focus on ensuring the financial viability and compliance of applicants.

Businesses under protection of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act or the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act.
Businesses listed on the Register of companies ineligible for public contracts.
Organizations that have failed to meet their financial obligations to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests in the past two years.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant concentrates on providing technical assistance and support to Quebec forest enterprises. Eligible projects are centered around enhancing operational efficiency and introducing innovative solutions in the forestry sector.

Diagnostics that identify specific technical challenges and propose solutions or recommendations.
Provision of technical services offering expert advice to define new equipment or operational methods.
Technological transfer involving the implementation of research-based methods into business operations.
External laboratory tests to verify technical solutions applicable in production environments.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The MASTE grant covers specific expenses directly related to the engagement of specialists and necessary documentation for the project.

Professional fees for external specialists providing technical services and advice.
Documentation fees for obtaining scientific articles, reports, or specialized works essential to achieving the project objectives.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the MASTE grant are based on essential criteria that ensure the projects align with the strategic goals of the MRNF and demonstrate tangible benefits for the industry.

The realization of the project must be in Quebec.
The project's conformity with the orientations and strategies of the MRNF.
The pertinence of the project in addressing the needs of the industry.
The credibility of the project regarding its objectives and implementation plan.
The expertise of the professionals conducting the technical intervention, technological transfer, or laboratory tests.
The potential outcomes of the project, which should include one or more of the following:

Reduction of operational costs
Increase in productivity
Improvement in product quality
Optimization of processes
Development of new markets
Enhancement of products for current or planned uses

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to apply for the MASTE grant:

Step 1: Verify Eligibility
- Ensure your organization is legally constituted and registered in Quebec.
- Confirm that your organization operates in the specified forestry sectors such as wood harvesting, transportation, or bioenergy.
- Ensure the project aligns with the defined eligible projects and activities.
Step 2: Prepare Application Documents
- Complete the grant application form available on the MRNF website.
- Gather supporting documents including the CV of the specialists involved and service offers from providers.
Step 3: Submit Application
- Send the completed application form and supporting documents to the email maste@MRNF.gouv.qc.ca.
- Ensure all documents are complete as incomplete applications will be returned.
Step 4: Follow Up
- If necessary, provide additional documentation upon request from the MRNF.
- Await confirmation of receipt and proceed based on MRNF's assessment outcome.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The grant aims to support Quebec's forest industry by providing financial aid for hiring external specialists. Adhering to the guidelines and ensuring proper documentation is critical for grant approval and disbursement.

The initiative is designed under the authority of the Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife (Article 12, paragraph 3).
All expenses must align with generally accepted accounting principles and be directly related to the project's goals.
The grant can cover up to 160 hours per specialist and a total of 500 hours per project.
Eligible companies include both for-profit and non-profit entities legally constituted and registered in Quebec.
Honorarium limits are set, and pre-approval is required for out-of-province specialists exceeding 5% project time.
The maximum allowable grant per project is $50,000, covering 75% of eligible expenses.
Reports, receipts, and invoices must be submitted post-project for reimbursement.
Grant applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The program can be terminated or modified at any time by the MRNF without notice.
The recipient must retain all project-related documents for five years.
A recipient must inform the MRNF of any other financial aid received for the project.

grant_single_labels|contact

maste@mrnf.gouv.qc.ca

Apply to this program

Financial Support for Quebec's Forestry Innovation

This grant aims to support Quebec forestry businesses by providing the financial means to hire external experts. The initiative is structured to enhance technical operations, technology transfers, and innovation in the forest sector.

In-Depth Overview of Mesure d’accompagnement et de soutien technique (MASTE)

The "Mesure d’accompagnement et de soutien technique" or MASTE is a targeted assistance program established by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts. Specifically devised for Quebec's forestry sector, MASTE is tailored to aid businesses involved in wood processing, wood yards, including centers for valorization and transit, as well as forest harvesting and transportation. The need for such a program arises from industry-wide challenges, particularly the scarcity of skilled labor required to adopt and implement innovative technologies.

The overarching goal of MASTE is to empower these businesses by subsidizing the involvement of external specialists who, through their expertise, can provide technical interventions crucial for enhancing forestry operations, upgrading equipment, improving products, and optimizing transformation processes and supply chains. Innovatively, these specialists not only contribute by offering advice but also facilitate technology transfer derived from research and development efforts, ensuring the integration of cutting-edge solutions.

In terms of eligibility, the MASTE program is open to for-profit and non-profit entities legally registered in Quebec that operate within the specified forestry sectors. Projects submitted must involve at least one of the following activities: technical diagnostics, technical services, or technology transfers, all aimed at improving operational and technological efficiencies. Notably, projects can extend over a period of up to 12 months, with possible extensions granted under exceptional circumstances to accommodate project completion without additional funding.

Financial aspects of MASTE are structured to cover up to 75% of eligible expenses, with a cap of $50,000 per project, ensuring substantial support yet encouraging financial accountability from the beneficiaries. Eligible expenditures primarily focus on professional fees and essential project documentation, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on high-caliber, evidence-based interventions. The funding mechanism allows for combining MASTE financial support with other governmental aids, although the cumulative financial assistance must not exceed 75% of the total project's eligible expenses, ensuring that private participation constitutes at least 25%.

Importantly, MASTE upholds rigorous accountability standards. Grant beneficiaries are required to provide comprehensive reports detailing project outcomes, expenditures, and potential operational benefits like cost reductions, enhanced productivity, and new market development. Through these measures, the program not only facilitates immediate operational improvements but also strategically aligns with the broader economic and environmental objectives of the forestry sector in Quebec.

MASTE represents a strategic initiative by the Quebec government, reflecting its commitment to fortify the competitiveness and sustainability of the forestry industry. By enabling businesses to overcome labor shortages and leverage external expertise, the program is positioned to drive significant technological advancements and operational enhancements across the sector, thereby supporting regional economic stability and growth.