The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue, announced that the federal government is providing a $60 million loan to Arbec Bois d’œuvre through the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility. The funding will help the company maintain operations, transition to a business model less reliant on the United States, and limit disruption to its workforce. Arbec operates eight plants in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Mauricie, Côte-Nord. Operations include sawmilling, planning, drying, and finger joints. The company employs nearly 800 people. …”The softwood lumber industry is a key pillar of Canada’s highly integrated forest sector. However, ongoing US tariffs continue to place significant pressure on Canadian producers, reducing exports and profit margins. This support will provide Arbec with the support they need to maintain operations, protect jobs, and adapt their business to remain competitive in a changing global market.”