©Wood Building & Design

As the Government of Canada moves ahead with a rail freight support plan for Canadian steel, Forest Products Association of Canada welcomes the decision by the federal government to address cost pressures in the national transportation system and its recognition that Canada’s forest products industry requires a separate path forward. …As we work to build more homes and infrastructure with Canadian wood, diversify and grow export markets, and strengthen the prospects for Canadian forest sector employees and their families, getting transportation policy right is key. …Nearly 90 percent of FPAC member mills are served by only one railway, limiting practical alternatives for long-distance movements. Rail remains the backbone to move forest products from mills to major domestic markets and international gateways. We must find ways to improve rail system reliability and cost competitiveness. …FPAC analysis finds that rail costs can represent 20–25% of typical delivered product value, or $2–3 billion annually for the forest products sector.