Mark Carney
Prime Minister Carney announced the Canada Strong Fund – Canada’s first national sovereign wealth fund. Through an initial federal contribution of $25 billion, the Fund will strategically invest, alongside the private sector, in Canadian projects and companies driving our economic transformation. This includes projects in clean and conventional energy, critical minerals, agriculture, and infrastructure. The returns will be reinvested to grow the Canada Strong Fund, strengthening its capacity over time. As the Fund grows, it will direct capital toward investments with the highest potential return for Canada and Canadians. …The fund is intended to complement and accelerate the work of existing institutions like the Business Development Bank of Canada, and potentially the advancement of projects through the Major Projects Office. …Per Carney, “Canada is catalysing a series of nation-building projects in energy, trade, critical minerals, transport, data, and beyond – projects that will make Canada stronger, more resilient, and more independent.”
Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) has launched a new 
OTTAWA — The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA) supports the Government of Canada’s launch of a 
After meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday, Premier David Eby confirmed that US liquor products will remain off BC liquor store shelves, despite pressure from American officials. Eby wants the Americans to ease duties and tariffs on the softwood lumber sector before relenting on U.S. liquor products. …The issue gained renewed international attention after US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick called the measures against American alcohol products “disrespectful”. …One of the major sticking points for Eby is what he sees as preferential treatment by the US for lumber from Russia and Europe, just as punitive measures are ratcheted up on Canadian softwood products. “The reality is that British Columbians are pissed off about our industry being attacked, our families losing jobs for absolutely no reason, to prefer Russian and European lumber to Canadian lumber,” he said.
The Interior Logging Association is set to welcome members and delegates to Kamloops from April 30 to May 2 for its 68th AGM and Convention—an event that continues to bring the BC forestry community together around shared challenges and opportunities. This year’s theme, “Stronger Together for Forestry’s Future,” speaks to a program that blends business, safety, and good old-fashioned industry camaraderie. The three-day event kicks off with the Interior Safety Conference, followed by a full schedule of indoor and outdoor exhibits at the Powwow Grounds—open to the public and showcasing the latest in equipment, services, and innovation. Familiar favourites return, including the Simulator Tree Falling Competition and the ever-popular Big Truck Show & Shine. The convention offers plenty of opportunities to connect, with a Meet & Greet, breakfast, luncheon, and Friday night Dinner & Dance rounding out the agenda. Now in its 68th year, the convention remains a cornerstone event for the sector—highlighting the people, partnerships, and practical know-how that keep BC’s forestry industry moving forward.
A disputed $31-million fire loss at a Delta, B.C., sawmill has triggered three separate lawsuits involving Lloyd’s Underwriters, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and BFL Canada, with arson allegations now at the center of the coverage battle. The case stems from an April 8, 2024, blaze that gutted Acorn Forest Products’ remanufacturing facility on the Fraser River, burning a 30-meter swath through the plant despite a response from 30 firefighters in seven trucks. Lloyd’s has since voided Acorn’s primary and excess policies, alleging the loss was caused by arson carried out by, or under the guidance of, the company’s “directing minds,” according to a report from Business in Vancouver. In court filings, Acorn and its parent company, the San Group, denied the allegation and said the London market is using arson as a pretext to avoid a nearly $31 million payout. …The Delta fire is not the first large sawmill loss involving the San Group and Lloyd’s.
Canada’s insurance sector is calling for more time and data before it can fully evaluate mass timber as a building material, even as its use spreads rapidly across the country, according to a recent policy brief by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). …Despite the material’s growing footprint, insurers remain cautious. The IBC brief identified three key gaps in available data: long-term structural performance over several decades, the effects of moisture and water-related incidents, and typical repair and replacement costs following fire or other damage. Reinsurance capacity for mass timber projects, particularly mid- to high-rise developments, has also been constrained, which the brief noted directly affects the availability and terms of primary coverage. Insurance broker Aon has noted that limited long-term loss history makes it more difficult for insurers to model risk with the same level of confidence they apply to more established building materials, according to the IBC.
FREDERICTON, NB – [Federal ministers] highlighted the Government of Canada’s recent launch of A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature. Nature is foundational to Canadian identity and a key driver as we work to build our economy while integrating biodiversity considerations into infrastructure and resource development. On March 31, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the federal government’s new strategy for nature, with an investment of $3.8 billion. A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature is based on three pillars for action to harmonize nature protection and economic growth: Protecting Nature in Canada, Building Canada Well, and Valuing Nature and Mobilizing Capital. Key components of the Strategy include increasing our protected areas network on land and water.
MISSISSAUGA, ON
Climate change is making Vancouver Island more prone to wildfires, and the Homalco First Nation is taking proactive steps to prepare. To protect the community during wildfire season, the Nation has started a project designed to reduce wildfire risks in its privately owned forest next to the Homalco community south of Campbell River. Thinning the forest will make it less prone to fire and provide the community with another escape route in case of an emergency, says the Nation. …Ken Dodd, the manager of forest values with the Nation, said the abundance of ladder fuel, coupled with densely packed trees, could lead to a catastrophic forest fire if one were to ignite. …Dodd explained that the thinning technique replicates the qualities of an old-growth forest… Quentin Stefani, with Integrated Operations Group, the company hired to conduct the thinning, said the technology is typically used to thin forests in Europe. 
“Surely old-growth logging won’t be happening in five years.” That was my belief in 2020, when I was a 17-year-old activist who — almost by accident — helped initiate the Fairy Creek blockades and the largest act of civil disobedience in Canadian history. …In that moment, it seemed inevitable that the old paradigm of forestry in BC would not last. Today, that old paradigm seems more entrenched than ever, with old-growth deferrals getting canceled across the province and an NDP government more focused on short-term economic development than long-term sustainability. …At this moment, the prospect of true forestry reform in BC seems bleak. But Washington protected its state-owned old-growth forests 20 years ago and maintains a thriving forest products industry today. How did they do it? And what can Washington’s success teach us about BC’s forestry predicament?
Harrison Hot Springs leaders may be taking their forestry-related concerns right to the provincial government. During Monday’s council meeting, Harrison Hot Springs council voted 1-4 to defeat a motion from Coun. Mark Schweinbenz to direct village staff to speak with a number of entities concerning large-scale, clear-cut forestry and its effects on the community. Schweinbenz was the sole assenting vote. “Every year, we get a letter from (B.C. Timber Sales), and it’s confusing and obfuscates what is really going on,” Schweinbenz said. “I don’t think we have any real input and I think the citizens of Harrison Hot Springs are frustrated by that. I think that should change.” …Instead of engaging with multiple agencies such as the B.C. Timber Sales Chilliwack Forest District, local First Nations leaders and neighbouring communities, council will consider requesting a meeting with the Minister of Forests at the 2026 UBCM Conference at the Vancouver Convention Centre in September.
In October 2025, the Regional Parks Committee tasked staff with looking at a potential Strategic Forest Management and FireSmart Plan, including budget. With a report in hand, the committee agreed to embark on a phased approach to develop a forest management plan for regional parks with key considerations including wildfire risk reduction, ecological values, cultural considerations and FireSmart principles in 2027. The first step would include a request for proposal process, with a price tag of up to $75,000 from the 2027 budget, to retain a qualified consultant to assist in developing a Strategic Forest Management Plan framework guiding future wildfire risk reduction and forest resilience efforts, the parks committee agreed during its April 22 meeting.
On Saturday, March 28, 2026, a fire at Evans Lake resulted in the loss of two buildings, including four cabins. We are deeply grateful that no campers were on site and all staff are safe—but the loss to our community is significant. We want to sincerely thank Squamish Fire & Rescue, Britannia Beach Volunteer Fire Department, RCMP, Conservation Officers, our team, and a member of our community for their quick and compassionate response. Right now, our focus is on recovery. While we are insured, there are always substantial costs that aren’t fully covered. As we begin to rebuild, many have asked how they can help. Donations made here will directly support urgent recovery needs, replacement of essential spaces, and ongoing operations—helping ensure we can continue to provide meaningful outdoor experiences for thousands of children and families.
Premier Tim Houston says he would institute a ban on entering the woods again, if the circumstances called for it, in spite of a judge saying last year’s province-wide decree was unreasonable. Houston was reacting to a Nova Scotia Supreme Court ruling that says the province failed to consider individual mobility rights — enshrined under Section 6 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms — when it told people to stay out of the woods on Aug. 5, 2025. The ban was imposed during an extended period of drought when wildfire risks were high to extreme. It remained in place across the province for several weeks. The court decision, released last week, suggested that Charter rights should be considered in a more meaningful way before the next emergency. Houston said he respects the decision but he stood by last year’s ban. He disputed the judge’s conclusion that the province did not consider Charter rights. 