April 9, 2026 Vancouver, British Columbia Natural Resources Canada
For generations, Canada's vast forests and the economic opportunities they provide have sustained and powered Canadian towns, economies and communities from coast to coast to coast. In 2026, Canada's forest sector continues to face a watershed moment due to the pressure of unjust U.S. tariffs - but as we centre our new Buy Canadian policy and look to be our own best customers as we build major infrastructure and affordable, new homes at scale, it is also facing real opportunity. The Government of Canada has a clear, confident strategy: protect what we have built and transform the sector so it can grow stronger, more resilient and more competitive for decades to come.
Today, Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, attended the BC Council of Forest Industries' Annual Convention, where he announced a federal investment of over $4 million under Natural Resources Canada's Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program for a project that will strengthen the wood construction supply chain and expand Canada's capacity to produce high value, made-in-Canada building materials.
With the funding announced today, Atlas Engineered Products Ltd. will build a new, cutting-edge wood manufacturing facility, powered by advanced robotics. Robotics will boost precision and efficiency and reduce waste while delivering strong, reliable wooden trusses made with care for the environment.
Through projects like these, Canada is retooling its forest sector to go beyond traditional products into wood-based bioproducts, advanced biofuels and diversified pulp and paper products while also scaling up production of advanced building materials like mass timber. Through the [CC1] Buy Canadian Policy, federal procurement is now prioritizing Canadian wood and engineered wood products. Through Build Canada Homes, Canadian lumber, mass timber and other advanced wood-based products are helping address Canadian housing needs while driving demand back into Canadian mills and manufacturing facilities.
Canada's forest sector is more than an industry. It is a lifeline for communities, a source of good jobs and a driver of sustainable prosperity. By defending forest sector workers today, partnering with industry to modernize the sector for tomorrow and opening new markets at home and around the world, the Government of Canada is ensuring that the forest sector remains a pillar of national strength for generations to come.
