October 14, 2026 Fredericton, New Brunswick Natural Resources Canada
The world is changing rapidly, leaving Canadian industries, communities and workers vulnerable. Canada's forest sector is experiencing this first-hand. It continues to face significant pressures, including unjustified U.S. tariffs, climate change and changing consumer and global demands. Our forest sector is a cornerstone of our economy. It supports nearly 200,000 jobs; is the bedrock of 300 rural, remote and Indigenous communities; and contributed $23.5 billion to our GDP in 2024 alone. In response, the Government of Canada is taking action to stand with Canadian industry and workers to adapt, innovate and remain competitive so the sector can not only survive but thrive, for generations to come.
Today, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced an investment of up to $50 million for the establishment of the New Brunswick Strategic Innovation Centre in Digital Forestry, an initiative led by the Northern Hardwoods Research Institute in collaboration with ResearchNB.
Canada's forest products industry depends on a reliable supply of wood - called fibre supply - to make everything from lumber and paper to packaging and other products. That supply has become increasingly uncertain due to factors such as wildfires and pests, putting mills, jobs and Canadian competitiveness at risk. The new Centre will establish a pilot for digitalizing the forest sector, helping the industry and its stakeholders better identify, track and use fibre resources across the supply chain. By increasing certainty of fibre supply and matching that fibre supply to facilities' specific manufacturing requirements, the initiative would modernize the forest products sector in New Brunswick and create a model for other regions - attracting investment, reducing costs and improving operational efficiency for businesses. The digital infrastructure will place New Brunswick at the forefront of innovation and support the long-term resilience of Canada's forest industry.
