BC Invests CA$12 Million to Expand Global Demand for Wood Products

On Monday, British Columbia announced investments of more than CA$12 million (US$8.8 million) to expand demand for made-in-BC forest products, support workers, and create new opportunities for communities across the province.

BC said it is seeking new trade partnerships and market opportunities amin uncertain US trade actions. Through Forestry Innovation Investment (FII), the province’s Crown agency for wood product market development, the funding will support projects aimed at diversifying markets and increasing the use of BC wood products.

The program includes two funding streams—market development and Wood First initiatives—designed to strengthen supply chains, expand demand, and create opportunities for workers and businesses throughout the province.

1. For 2026–27, FII will invest more than $9 million into market development initiatives, leveraged by more than $3 million from industry partners, for a combined total exceeding $12 million. The projects are intended to grow international demand and reduce barriers to market access.
2. FII is also investing $2.6 million into its Wood First initiative, alongside an additional $1.5 million from partners, for a total exceeding $4 million to increase wood use across BC. The projects focus on advancing mass timber and prefabricated wood construction by supporting architects, developers, and local governments.

Among FII’s 2025 accomplishments, the agency cited hosting BC’s largest forestry trade mission to Japan and South Korea; opening a United Kingdom office to expand access to European markets; and helping secure a memorandum of understanding involving China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, Canada’s Department of Natural Resources, and BC’s Ministry of Forests to increase the use of BC wood products in China’s construction sector.