VICTORIA, B.C. — The Honorable Tim Hodgson, minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced a Forest Sector Action Plan, with key commitments to drive the transformation of the forest sector in collaboration with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples and other key partners.

 In a press release, Natural Resources Canada stated the following: Canada's forest sector is at a pivotal moment. Ongoing pressures -- including tariffs, fibersupply challenges, changing market demands and climate change -- are significantly impacting the industry and the communities that depend on it. In response, the Government of Canada is focusing on can be controlled, and moving forward with provinces, territories and Indigenous partners on a coordinated approach to transform the sector into one that can thrive in the long term.

The Action Plan is informed by the Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force's recommendations and builds on the extensive work it completed during its 90–day mandate.

"Mills are closing, Canadians are losing jobs, and communities are suffering, due to tariff pressures, market changes and more. We must take action to pivot, grow, modernize and diversify so we can protect the industry we have built and catalyze its growth for the long term," says Hodgson. "Today's Action Plan builds on the work of the Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force and provides a clear path forward for the concrete measures Team Canada will take to build a strong, prosperous, sovereign Canada for all."

The plan focuses on four priority areas to position Canada's forest sector as a leading global supplier of both traditional and advanced forest products:

• Securing a competitive and predictable supply of wood fiber.
• Making the investments required for innovation and modernization across the sector.
• Expanding domestic and international market opportunities.

• Supporting workers and communities through skills development and transition measures.

  Federal, provincial and territorial governments discussed the implementation of the Action Plan during this year's meeting of the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM). At the meeting, governments committed to collaborate over the coming months to align policies and investments, reduce barriers and accelerate progress toward transformation. This work will come together by the end of 2026 in a formal Forest Sector Strategy for Canada.

Hodgson continues, "Canada's natural resources have long underpinned our prosperity -- and as we work to build the strongest economy in the G7 and double non-U.S. trade over the next decade, our forest sector can play a central role. By supporting workers today and modernizing the industry for tomorrow, the Government of Canada is ensuring the forest sector remains a pillar of strength and prosperity for decades to come."

To learn more, visit natural-resources.canada.ca.