The Canadian Network of Centres of Excellence of Wood-Based Building Science and Technology will establish a bridge between the wood products industry and construction markets of the 21st century. The Network will integrate the research of scientists, engineers and architects with proven excellence in Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Ste-Foy and Fredericton. The Government of Canada will contribute $14 million to the Network, that is 67% of its $21 million budget for the first four years of operation. The balance, $7 million, will be contributed by universities, provincial governments and industry. The Canadian wood products industry is facing increasing pressures due to market-related shifts in demand for traditional products; overcapacity of commodity products; changing raw material supply; and substitution from non-wood structural materials. Maintenance of wood products' market share in housing, and expansi- on of wood-based buildings' market share in non-residential constr- uction, are the keys to future competitiveness of the wood products industry. To realize these market opportunities, new value-added wood prod- ucts must be provided, along with advanced building systems and components, by exploiting the demonstrated strengths of wood products. This will be accomplished by developing an understanding of the changing requirements for wood-based buildings, developing the scientific knowledge base to enable wood to compete effectively, and training highly-qualified scientists and engineers to enhance the leadership position of Canada's wood products in emerging markets.