CASTLEGAR, BC – …The rules-based international order and the trading system that powered Canada’s prosperity for decades are being reshaped — hurting companies, displacing workers and causing major disruption and upheaval for Canadians. Today, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Secretary of State… [met to] highlight Budget 2025’s Buy Canadian Strategy and investments in Canada’s forest sector. The Government of Canada is helping the forest sector and softwood lumber industry transform to remain competitive …while keeping pace with increased need for housing and major infrastructure construction. These include: Up to $700 million over two years on a cash basis, available now, in loan guarantees … to help ensure companies [can] maintain and restructure their operations during this period of transformation; $500 million over three years on a cash basis, starting in 2026–27, to renew and expand existing Natural Resources Canada’s forest sector programs…; and Prioritizing the adoption of Canadian materials — including mass timber and softwood lumber…
Related Coverage:
- Press Release by Fisheries and Oceans Canada: From Reliance to Resilience: Budget 2025 delivers new investments to Buy Canadian and build Canada’s industrial strength
- Betsy Kline in the Nelson Star: Federal energy minister promotes mass timber in Castlegar visit