How much funding can be received?

The Forest Operations Modernization Program provides financial support of up to $250,000 per project, covering up to 50% of eligible costs. The program aims to reduce operational costs or increase productivity in the forestry sector by funding feasibility studies, the modernization or establishment of wood yards, and the implementation of advanced logistical solutions.

Financing terms and conditions

Financial assistance for up to 50% of eligible project expenses.
Funding capped at $100,000 for feasibility studies and logistics improvement projects, and $250,000 for the establishment or modernization of timber yards.
Only eligible costs incurred after confirmation of project acceptance are covered; no retroactive coverage.
No additional financial aid granted for cost overruns beyond approved funding.
Cumulative government aid from other public sources is not permitted for the same expenses.

Eligible projects & activities

Feasibility studies for the modernization of forest operations.
Implementation of new wood yards.
Modernization of existing wood yards.
Deployment of improved logistics solutions for harvesting, transportation, and wood yard operations.

Eligibility criteria of the Forest Operations Modernization Program program

The applicant must be a legally constituted for-profit business or a group of such businesses, or a legally constituted non-profit organization.
The applicant must have an establishment in Quebec and carry out project-related activities in Quebec.
The project must be coherent and its activities must align with those defined in the program framework.
The applicant must provide all required documents and demonstrate both financial and technical capacity to complete the project.
If the applicant is a non-profit organization, it must demonstrate the involvement of a private company in the financial structuring of the project.

Who is eligible?

Legally constituted for-profit companies
Groups of legally constituted for-profit companies
Legally constituted non-profit organizations

Who is not eligible

Companies or organizations that are bankrupt.
Entities listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics).
Companies or organizations that have previously failed to meet obligations related to government financial assistance after a formal demand.
Provincial ministries or governmental organizations.

Eligible expenses

Reasonable management fees (up to 5% of total project costs).
Costs for reports, studies, or technology transfer rights (such as licenses).
Fees for studies and consulting expertise (excluding geotechnical studies).
Subcontracting costs.
Professional fees, including social benefits.
Rental costs for equipment directly related to the implementation or modernization of wood yards.
Acquisition and installation costs for equipment and technologies directly linked to the project.
Purchase of essential software and licenses for the project (maximum of two years for service contracts).
Direct material costs.
Costs associated with the implementation or improvement of a wood yard, such as site preparation, leveling, drainage, and electrical installation.

Eligible geographic areas

Quebec

Eligibility criteria of the Forest Operations Modernization Program program

Level of risk and uncertainty associated with the project.
Expertise of the subcontractor conducting the study (for feasibility studies).
Technical feasibility of the project.
Quality and realism of the project schedule.
Quality of the financial structure and financing plan.
Expected outcomes of the project, such as cost reduction, productivity gains, and non-monetary benefits.
Level of support from the industrial network and the anticipated regional or interregional impact.
Level of planned private investment (for investment and logistics improvement projects).

How to apply to the Forest Operations Modernization Program program

Read the Applicant's Guide

Download and review the Applicant's Guide to understand eligibility and requirements
Ensure your project aligns with eligible project categories

Prepare application documents

Prepare the completed and signed application form
Complete the project financial Excel file
Gather required supporting documents according to Annex I of the Applicant's Guide

Submit your application

Submit all required documents by email to PMOF@mrnf.gouv.qc.ca
Ensure attachment size does not exceed 25 MB
Wait for the acknowledgment of receipt which will indicate next steps

Eligibility analysis by MRNF

Await the eligibility analysis carried out by MRNF
Respond promptly if additional information or documents are requested

Receive MRNF decision

Receive the written decision regarding your project (acceptance or refusal)
If accepted, review the legal documents such as letter of acceptance and grant agreement

Additional information

As of November 15, 2023, the grant program's budget is exhausted and the call for new applications is closed.
Applicants who previously submitted requests will be informed as soon as possible about the status of their submissions.
Applicants must not exceed a maximum file size of 25 MB for all attachments.
Templates for final project reports are available according to project category.