Canada Launches Forest Sector Transformation Task Force

On Wednesday, Canada announced new measures to support workers and accelerate transformation in the forest products sector, citing the need to adapt and compete amid tariffs.

Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, highlighted progress on federal support for the sector and announced the launch of a single-window pathfinding service, new funding to promote the use of Canadian wood in construction, and the creation of the Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force.

Natural Resources Canada’s new single-window pathfinding service includes a website detailing all federal programs available to forest sector businesses, along with direct access to department experts to assist with eligibility and applications. The service is intended to simplify access to federal support for companies and workers.

Through Natural Resources Canada’s Green Construction through Wood (GCWood) program, the federal government is investing more than CA$9 million to accelerate adoption of innovative Canadian wood products, including mass timber. Initiatives include addressing insurance barriers, developing a Mass Timber Costing Guide, advancing building code changes for low-carbon materials, expanding wood construction education, and increasing technical support and training.

The Forest Sector Transformation Task Force will begin work in early 2026 and will seek input from industry, provinces and territories, Indigenous foresters, communities, and labor groups on long-term competitiveness.

The task force will be led by Ken Kalesnikoff of Kalesnikoff Mass Timber and Frédéric Verreault of Les Chantiers Chibougamau and will have 90 days to develop recommendations on modern construction methods, product diversification, new markets, and productivity. Additional members will be named in the coming weeks.