The Canadian government has opened applications for a $700 million loan guarantee program that helps lumber companies weather mounting US tariffs that have pushed some firms into bankruptcy. The Business Development Bank of Canada announced the program’s launch Wednesday, allowing softwood lumber businesses to access up to $20 million per ownership group in financing and letters of credit through their primary financial institutions. …The cascading trade penalties have forced several forestry operations into bankruptcy protection, including British Columbia’s Teal-Jones Group and San Industries Ltd. The US market absorbs roughly 90% of Canadian lumber exports, leaving the industry vulnerable to American trade actions. …The trade conflict over softwood lumber stretches back more than 40 years, making it one of the most enduring commercial disputes between the neighboring countries.