A panel of industry leaders at the recent Montréal Wood Convention examined key market drivers, including U.S. housing starts, mass timber growth, the repair and remodelling (R&R) segment, and ongoing trade uncertainty. Moderated by Mark Allison of Boscus Canada, the discussion featured Thomas Mende of Binderholz, Doug Robinson of Weston Forest, and Frédéric Verreault of Nordic Structures and Chantier Chibougamau. On the outlook for U.S. housing, panellists pointed to relatively flat activity in the near term. Robinson said current projections appear reasonable in the absence of further geopolitical disruption, while Mende said recent global tensions have already slowed momentum. Affordability remains a central issue, influencing both demand and how homes are built. Robinson said cost pressures, along with demographic shifts such as an aging population, are contributing to smaller homes and changing design preferences. …The panel also discussed recent policy measures in Ontario aimed at improving housing affordability.