Category Archives: Business & Politics

Business & Politics

U.S. Trade Law Enforcement and Section 232 Tariffs Boost Domestic Production and Cut Unfair Trade

By US Lumber Coalition
PR Newswire
May 12, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

WASHINGTON — US trade law enforcement coupled with President Trump’s Section 232 tariff measures have forced a reduction in Canada’s US market share to more natural levels not seen in half a century – currently at 19%, down from 34% in 2016. Simultaneously, ample softwood lumber supply for the US market has been sustained as the US softwood lumber industry responded by making investments to add 8.6 billion board feet of softwood lumber production capacity since 2016. Through these investments, U.S. lumber manufacturing facilities have produced an additional 36 billion board feet of lumber since 2016. That is more U.S. lumber produced by U.S. workers to build U.S. homes while supporting 1.3 million U.S. jobs. …Since August 2025, Canada announced an estimated C$2.1 billion in forestry-specific subsidies designed to counter and undermine U.S. trade law enforcement. In total, Canada’s forest industry has access to new or augmented government support programs amounting to more than C$9.9 billion dollars.

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Controlling What We Can Control

Forest Products Association of Canada
May 12, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada

Building Canada Strong with Canadian Forestry. If Canada is going to capitalize on this moment to build a stronger, more resilient economy, we need to ACT NOW, controlling what we can control and empowering the Canadian sectors that will allow us to shape our own economic destiny. …And as a globally-recognized leader in how we manage our forests, we have a lot to offer the world. But we’re currently weathering a perfect storm — a 45% wall of U.S. tariffs on top of duplicative regulatory inefficiencies here at home. While we have no control over the former, we can control the latter. And government can help. They’ve already identified the known friction points in their “Comprehensive Red Tape Review”. Now we need them to act. By fixing these Made-In Canada Barriers, they can empower sectors like forestry to fortify and diversify our country’s economy while maintaining the high environmental standards that help keep our forests as forests forever. You can EMAIL YOUR MP and call on them to ensure the findings of their Red Tape Review are actioned. 

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Federal court strikes down Trump’s 10% global tariff — what it means for brokers

By Max Sexton
The Mortgage Professional America
May 8, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

Russ Taylor

A federal court dealt another blow to the Trump administration’s tariff agenda, ruling that the 10% global tariffs the president imposed earlier this year are illegal. …Kenneth Katkin, law professor at Northern Kentucky University, said the statutes that authorize tariffs simply do not authorize global tariffs. An appeal is expected. …This development is just one thread in a much larger story that continues to weigh on the housing market. Russ Taylor said the lumber market is getting hit from multiple directions at once, and no single factor is solely to blame. …”With the Iranian war, constricted trade flows, high oil prices, inflation, everyone’s being more conservative,” he said. “That keeps prices at bay.” …A lumber inclusion in the USMCA would ease some of the cost pressure but Taylor pointed out that the US domestic industry has done very well under the current tariff structure and has every reason to resist a deal that changes it.

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Forest Sector responds to Federal Government’s Consultation on Strengthening One Canadian Economy

Forest Products Association of Canada
May 8, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada

Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) welcomes the Government of Canada’s announcement today on addressing long‑standing, structural challenges across the country’s transportation supply chains. Reliable, efficient, and cost‑effective transportation networks are essential to the forest sector’s ability to support domestic manufacturing, reach global markets, and sustain jobs in hundreds of rural and Indigenous communities across Canada. “Canada’s transportation system continues to face three fundamental challenges—cost pressures driven by limited competition, infrastructure bottlenecks across key trade corridors, and ongoing labour instability,” said Derek Nighbor, FPAC President and CEO. “Addressing these issues together is essential to reducing costs for shippers, improving system reliability, and supporting long‑term economic growth and jobs across hundreds of forest-dependent communities.” Currently, the forest sector must absorb billions of dollars in freight costs annually, the vast majority of these accruing from rail transportation – representing more than 15% of the sector’s annual GDP contribution and up to 25% of a shipper’s delivered product costs.

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BNN Interview with Derek Nighbor: The importance of Canada’s forestry sector

BNN Bloomberg
May 7, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada

Derek Nighbor, president & CEO at the Forest Products Association of Canada, joins BNN Bloomberg to share the outlook for Canada’s forestry sector. [If the embedded 6 min. video below doesn’t play – click the read more below to view it on the BNN site]

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U.S. Lumber Coalition Commends Actions to Combat Evasion of U.S. Trade Remedy Laws Involving Lumber Imports from Canada

By US Lumber Coalition
PR Newswire
May 5, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

The US Lumber Coalition applauds the U.S. Customs and Border Protection announcement of its determination that Coastal Forest Products (based in Bow, NH) has evaded the antidumping and countervailing duty orders on softwood lumber imports from Canada. In reaching its determination, CBP rejected Coastal Forest Products’ argument that the Canadian-origin merchandise “underwent ‘substantial transformation’ in New Zealand.” …As a result of CBP’s determination, Coastal Forest Products will be responsible for unpaid duties and will be required to post cash deposits on future entries of the covered merchandise. …CBP launched its investigation based on an allegation filed by the US Lumber Coalition. ….”The message to Canada is clear: transshipment of lumber into the United States via a third country to evade antidumping and countervailing duties is not tolerated, nor possible,” added van Heyningen.

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Government of Canada announces a $1.5 billion support program for tariff-impacted industries

By Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Government of Canada
May 4, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada

Mélanie Joly

Evan Solomon

Canadian ministers Mélanie Joly and Evan Solomon announced $1.5 billion to support several of Canada’s tariffed industries. This includes the creation of a new $1 billion Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) program available to industries that manufacture and export products containing steel, aluminum or copper. …The BDC program will provide financing at favourable terms to enable businesses to address immediate pressures. This new program aligns with the government’s priority to provide rapid liquidity to viable businesses facing significant economic challenges. In addition, the government is providing an additional $500 million through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) to support tariff-impacted businesses in all sectors of our economy. This funding, delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDA), will help ensure that Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) have access to the financing they need to enable strategic pivots through investments in market diversification and enhanced productivity that strengthen their competitiveness.

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Commerce starts Canada softwood lumber duty review, names firms targeted

The Lesprom Network
May 3, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

The US Department of Commerce is initiating administrative reviews of antidumping and countervailing duty orders with March anniversary dates, with the actions applicable May 4, 2026, and final results planned no later than March 31, 2027. …The companies listed for review are 10104704 Manitoba Ltd, Woodstock Forest Products; CWP—Montreal Inc.; and Norsask Forest Products Limited Partnership. For certain uncoated paper from Brazil, the antidumping review covers March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2026. The companies listed are Suzano S.A. and Sylvamo do Brasil Ltda/Sylvamo Exports Ltda. For certain uncoated paper from Portugal, the antidumping review covers March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2026. The company listed is The Navigator Company, S.A.

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Canadian red tape is worse than Trump tariffs, say industry groups

By Ilyo Gridneff
The Financial Times in the Financial Post
April 27, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada

Derek Nighbor

Canada’s leading industry groups say Prime Minister Mark Carney’s effort to cut red tape is floundering, costing the country billions more in trade losses than Trump’s tariffs. Forestry, oil and gas, and auto industry representatives said they are frustrated at the pace of regulatory reform that is central to Carney’s efforts to insulate Canada from Trump’s devastating trade war. “Ottawa needs to align its regulatory policy objectives with economic reality,” said Derek Nighbor, president of the Forest Products Association of Canada, which represents one of the country’s largest employers. Nighbor said over the past decade overlapping government policies, mostly environmental regulation, have “chilled strategic investments” and become “a productivity and competitiveness killer, driving away investment”. Last week, Carney announced a “first-ever” investment summit in Toronto. …But industry groups warn this plan is impeded by the slow implementation of a red-tape review that found nearly 500 ways to streamline services.

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The return of B.C. First Nations’ territory: Despite recent gains, less than 1 per cent is in their hands

By Gordon Hoekstra
Vancouver Sun
May 11, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

In 2008, the B.C. government agreed to provide the Musqueam First Nation with land and money to settle a dispute over the prospective sale of the University of B.C. golf course lands. …As part of a deal valued at $250 million, which involved several parcels of land, including the golf course, and cash, the Musqueam received nearly 14 hectares adjacent to their community south of Marine Drive along the north arm of the Fraser River. …The Musqueam have been in discussions with the province about adding more land, possibly from Pacific Spirit Regional Park, show communications disclosed through a freedom of information request. …Many First Nations in the Metro Vancouver-Fraser Valley-Squamish-Sunshine Coast region are using their existing and newly obtained land holdings for economic development, which can also provide economic benefits outside their communities. …The Squamish Nation has plans for 11 towers and 6,000 units on the portion of lands returned from those taken away from them at False Creek in 1913, called Sen̓áḵw. 

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Energy And Resources Minister Visits Carrot River Lumber Mill

Government of Saskatchewan
May 11, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

On Friday, Energy and Resources Minister Chris Beaudry visited Dunkley Lumber’s Carrot River sawmill, a key facility in Saskatchewan’s forestry industry. Minister Beaudry held discussions with senior officials from the company. “Saskatchewan’s forestry industry is a cornerstone of economic activity in the north, generating thousands of jobs and contributing to strong, vibrant communities,” Energy and Resources Minister Chris Beaudry said. “The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to working with industry partners to strengthen the forestry industry and grow the responsible development of our natural resources.” Dunkley’s Carrot River facility is the largest sawmill in the province, with the company employing more than 400 people combined… In 2024, Dunkley completed a $220 million expansion to the Carrot River sawmill, which increased the facility’s capacity by 75 per cent. “Saskatchewan continues to distinguish itself as one of the most attractive jurisdictions in North America for lumber manufacturing,” Dunkley Lumber Fibre and Sustainability Vice President Dyon Armstrong said. 

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B.C. has lost 40,000 jobs so far this year, says StatsCan

By Emma Crawford
Canadian Press in CityNews Vancouver
May 8, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

Statistics Canada says B.C. lost more than 40,000 jobs over the first four months of the year, and more than 11,000 full-time positions last month alone. Premier David Eby says this comes as little surprise, and the explanation is obvious, with a major pillar of the province’s economy continuing to take a beating from a major trade war with the U.S. “Our softwood lumber sector is under huge pressure,” he said. “The tariffs we face are higher than those faced by Russia and Europe when they import wood to the United States. And as a result, Russia and Europe are exporting more wood to the United States than they ever have.” As well, exports from B.C. to the U.S. are down, which is affecting all provinces, Eby says.

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Tla’amin acquisition of forest operation receives qathet Regional District support

By Paul Galinski
Powell River Peak
May 5, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

qathet Regional District directors have voted to approve a letter of support in principle for the agreement between Tla’amin Nation and Western Forest Products on the transfer of tree farm licence (TFL) 39 to Tla’amin. At the April 29 regional board meeting, Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne said the last paragraph of the letter of support stated: “qathet Regional District has carefully evaluated the potential impacts of this transfer. We offer our support in principle, provided the Province of British Columbia conducts a comprehensive public interest evaluation and ensures that all existing third-party interests within the TFL remain fully protected.” Gisborne said there is a lot of interest in the community and a lot of recreation going on in the tree farm licence area.

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B.C. premier pushes back after softwood lumber left off list for tariff relief

By Emily Fagan
CBC News
May 4, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

Ottawa’s decision not to include softwood lumber among the industries that will benefit from $1 billion in tariff relief funding sparked frustration from BC Premier David Eby, who said softwood lumber in the province has been “decimated” by U.S. tariffs. “I don’t know what it’s going to take, really, to get the bureaucrats and the ministers in Ottawa to recognize that softwood lumber employs more people in Canada than steel and auto parts combined,” Eby said. …”I really feel like BC’s projects are not getting the attention they deserve.” …Eby said he does not know why the industry would have been overlooked, though he hopes a separate funding announcement just for softwood lumber is in the works. …Jeff Bromley, wood council chair with the United Steelworkers, said 150,000 workers across Canada make their living off forestry. “I wish they would have included a broader program that would have helped our forestry industry,” he said.

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Plenty of interest in buying Crofton mill

By Robert Barron
The Cowichan Valley Citizen
May 4, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

CROFTON, BC — Numerous companies and investors have expressed an interest in purchasing the Domtar pulp mill site in Crofton since the facility shut down operations earlier this year. Domtar said in a statement that it is exploring a variety of possibilities for the future of the waterfront site, and North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas said a number of interested parties have contacted the municipality directly looking to buy the site for a range of potential uses, including manufacturing, energy production, and other industrial purposes. …“Domtar has retained BMO Capital Markets to evaluate potential purchase proposals and expects to make a decision regarding the site’s future in the coming months.” Douglas said that as decisions about the site’s future use will ultimately rest with Domtar or a prospective new owner, and not the municipality, he is encouraging interested parties to contact Domtar directly.

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Carney stakes out position on Cowichan case after months on the sideline

By Rob Shaw
Business in Vancouver
May 4, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

Mark Carney

After months of silence, Prime Minister Mark Carney has finally waded into the landmark Cowichan Nation title case currently gripping British Columbia politics. Carney surprised many last week when he answered a question from Richmond East—Steveston MP Parm Bains in question period. “Can the prime minister outline the government’s position and explain how the government is working collaboratively to uphold reconciliation while protecting private property rights for residents and businesses?” asked Bains. “Private property rights are fundamental, and this government, indeed, this house, will always protect them,” replied Carney. “This government fundamentally disagrees with the B.C. Supreme Court’s decision on Cowichan. We immediately appealed that decision, alongside the government of B.C., the City of Richmond and other Indigenous First Nations. …Carney has now basically adopted the position of Premier David Eby, who has warned the decision cannot stand because it imperils private property rights.

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B.C., Treaty 8 First Nations build new partnerships to advance restoration

By Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions
Government of British Columbia
May 1, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

The Province and seven Treaty 8 First Nations have taken a next step toward creating a thriving and community-centered local economy in northeastern British Columbia. Restoration agreements will restore and protect the environment, provide predictability and stability to existing industries, as well as establish new business opportunities in the region, while ensuring historic Treaty Rights are upheld. “The restoration agreements will build on the strong partnership that we have with the Treaty 8 First Nations, which is a First Nations led approach,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “This work is guided by the belief that healing the land and healing the people are inseparable. …This partnership approach to land and resource management will help to uphold constitutionally protected Treaty Rights, while supporting a vibrant economy.”

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B.C. forests minister unveils new federal grant, says aid needs could reach $6B

By Mark Page
The Vernon Morning Star
May 1, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

Ravi Parmar

B.C. Forests Minister Ravi Parmar announced on Thursday that the federal government is pitching in $21 million to support retraining and retooling forestry workers and operations in the province. The money comes as part of Ottawa’s more than $2 billion commitment to support the sector as it faces tariff tradewinds, stiff foreign competition and a lack of easy access to economically viable timber. It is funded through a $70.4 million workforce support fund announced in March. Parmar says that if a combined rate of tariffs and duties stays as high as it has been, roughly 45 per cent, the industry in B.C. will need billions of dollars more in aid.

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The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act—DRIPA and its legal consequences

By Stuart McNish
The Vancouver Sun
May 1, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

Stuart McNish & Robin Junger

Premier David Eby, in response to the December court ruling, raced to amend the DRIPA act. …The case began with a challenge to the Mineral Tenure Act, which allows mineral explorers to make a mineral claim without acquiring agreement and consent by the First Nation to the area. The case upheld the miners’ position that consent was not required during the exploration phase. It was the first challenge to DRIPA. It was immediately appealed and in December of 2025, the B.C. Court of Appeal overturned the lower court ruling, stating, “The Declaration Act gives a statutory mandate and duty to take all measures necessary to bring B.C.’s law into alignment with UNDRIP.” …Junger of McMillan LLP joined a Conversation That Matters to outline exactly what DRIPA is and the legal ramifications of amending the legislation. [24 min video

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Conifex to curtail Mackenzie sawmill operations for seven-weeks

Conifex Timber Inc.
May 1, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

MACKENZIE, BC — Conifex will temporarily curtail sawmill operations at its Mackenzie facility for about seven weeks starting May 19, 2026, with a target restart in July 2026. This planned sawmill curtailment is primarily driven by log inventory levels and fibre availability, in conjunction with seasonal logging breakup conditions impacting supply across the BC Interior. Logging operations are expected to resume in early June, subject to, among other things, weather conditions. The curtailment represents an approximately 25 million board feet supply impact. We continue to advance initiatives underway to broaden our available financing options. …Conifex restarted the Mackenzie sawmill in February after a four-week curtailment. The restart followed the completion of a $19 million secured term loan for its subsidiary Conifex Mackenzie Forest Products. 

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Minister says B.C. expects billions from feds for forestry if U.S. talks fail

By Wolfgang Depner
The Canadian Press in Victoria Times Colonist
April 30, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

Ravi Parmar

VICTORIA — British Columbia’s forests minister says he expects billions in additional federal support for the timber sector if future trade talks with the United States don’t benefit the softwood lumber industry. Ravi Parmer says BC will use every opportunity to remind Ottawa that the pending renegotiation of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico-Agreement on trade, better known as CUSMA, must include forestry. If it doesn’t, he says the province expects Ottawa to double or even triple the more than $2 billion in supports it has provided the sector nationwide since last August. Parmar says federal negotiators “must recognize that if they are unsuccessful” in addressing US duties and tariffs on timber, BC will need help. …He says Ottawa has been a strong partner so far and he is optimistic that the federal government will address CUSMA in a way that includes forestry.

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Conservative leadership candidate would move some resource officials out of Victoria

By Betsy Kline
The Vernon Morning Star
April 30, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

Iain Black (Facebook)

B.C. Conservative leadership candidate Iain Black is making his way around the Kootenays this week… While he is emphasizing his usual campaign priorities … Black also revealed a philosophy that he has yet to speak of publicly. While in the forest-sector dependent community of Castlegar, Black told Castlegar News that if he were eventually elected as premier, he would like to re-locate some bureaucrats from Victoria to the areas rich in the resource sectors they represent. “Why is the chief forester of British Columbia in Victoria, why isn’t that office out where the forestry is?” asked Black. “We need to get senior officials, that impact the livelihoods of our communities, out of Victoria and in offices elsewhere. He also suggested moving agriculture leadership to somewhere like Abbotsford or Dawson Creek and oil and gas leadership to some place like Fort Saint John.

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Forestry grant supporting workers affected by tariffs

By Ministry of Forests
Government of British Columbia
April 30, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

Forestry workers, employers and communities throughout British Columbia are receiving targeted assistance through a forestry workers support grant, a $20.8-million investment to help employers and communities respond quickly to the needs of the sector, by providing funds for worker retention, wage support and job-creating local projects. “There are serious global pressures impacting forestry workers in B.C., including unfair and punishing duties and tariffs driven by U.S. President Donald Trump,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “We are not backing down, we’re going to fight like hell to defend our forestry jobs. The new forestry workers support grant is one tool we’re taking action on right now to protect jobs today.” Delivered through the Northern Development Initiative Trust the grant is anticipated to support 1,400 forestry workers. …“In times of crisis, workers and communities need support from the provincial government and this is a great example of that,” said Jeff Bromley, chair, United Steelworkers Wood Council.

Additional coverage in CBC News: B.C. forestry support grant welcomed by industry stakeholders amid tariff struggles

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Kruger invests $333 million to enter the wide nonwovens sector

Kruger Inc.
May 11, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada East

TROIS-RIVIÈRES, Quebec — Kruger announced a $333 million investment marking its entry into the nonwovens sector. This new division will focus on manufacturing some of the industry’s most sustainable materials for a broad range of wipe applications. Central to this major project is the installation of the first production line of its kind in Canada, to be built on Île-de-la-Potherie in Trois-Rivières, adjacent to Kruger’s Wayagamack paper mill, with commissioning scheduled for 2028. …This project was made possible with a $35 million contribution from the Government of Canada through the Strategic Response Fund, as well as a $35 million loan from Investissement Québec, along with a $5 million equity investment in Kruger Pulp and Paper Limited Partnership Holding. Investissement Québec is also investing an additional $25 million from its own funds. The project will result in the creation of 56 new permanent jobs, bringing total employment at the Île-de-la-Potherie site to over 340 employees.

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Union warns of need to ‘stabilize’ forestry sector as trade war drags on

By Palak Mangat
Barrie Today
May 7, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada East

A union representing lumber workers in Canada warned that the federal government needs to help “stabilize” the forestry sector as the trade war with the United States drags on and impacts productivity, leading to sawmill closures. The sentiment emerged at a Tuesday meeting of the House natural resources committee as it continued its study into Canadian energy exports, where Unifor national president Lana Payne told MPs that the industry continues to struggle. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly had unveiled a $1.5-billion aid package for the steel, aluminum and copper sectors on Monday, with the bulk of this amount offered through three-year loans under a program that will be created by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). At the time, Joly stressed that Ottawa is still working to offer “similar terms” through BDC to the softwood lumber and forestry industries.

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Supreme Court set to weigh in on huge New Brunswick title claim

By John Chilibeck
The Telegraph-Journal
May 3, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada East

The clock began ticking April 7 on one of the most important Supreme Court of Canada cases in New Brunswick’s history. That’s the date the country’s top court told law firms involved in the Wolastoqey Nation’s landmark title claim it would determine if it would allow “leave for appeal.” …On one side are logging firms and other private property owners who say they’re caught in the middle of a three centuries-old fight that had nothing to do with them. The Indigenous nation wants the Supreme Court to overturn a Court of Appeal decision last December. That ruling found the nation would have no chance of success in its lawsuit proving that it has Aboriginal title over privately held lands. …By that measure, the Wolastoqey Nation could sue governments but would have no means to take back control of most of their old territory. …If the appeal goes ahead, the Supreme Court could hear the case as early as this fall.

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There’s still hope for Terrace Bay mill, Holland says

By Mike Stimpson
Northern Ontario Business
May 4, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada East

THUNDER BAY — Two years after shutdown, the AV Terrace Bay pulp mill is still looking for a buyer. Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay–Atikokan and associate minister of forestry, says he’d like to see that change. …“We want to see the Terrace Bay mill start up again, but any conversations with regard to restarting that mill or a purchase of it are between the existing owner and the prospective buyer. There is a point where (when) there’s an agreement in place, if there’s any involvement for our government, we require the submission of a long-term viable plan for the mill,” he said. But he added that “to date, we haven’t received any viable plan for the mill looking forward.” …Lise Vaugeois, the NDP MPP for Thunder Bay–Superior North, said “an established, respected industrial developer” presented a business plan to purchase the mill but the Progressive Conservative government has taken no action.

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Innovation, growth of region’s forestry explored

By Sandi Krasowski
The Chronicle Journal
May 1, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada East

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) 2026 conference and annual general meeting, served as a platform for the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) Building Resiliency: The Future of Northwestern Ontario’s Forest panel discussion. Moderated by Jamie Taylor, of the CEDC, and Scott Jackson, for the Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy (CRIBE), the panel explored the future of Northwestern Ontario’s forest sector. …Taylor called the forest sector a longtime cornerstone of Northwestern Ontario’s economy, and the panel conversation aimed to look ahead to what comes next in a changing economic landscape, which includes U.S.-imposed tariffs. …Taylor noted that building resilience requires ongoing innovation and a proactive approach to global competitiveness. …Jackson said “A successful transition isn’t just about developing novel and innovative products; it’s also about ensuring we have strong anchor mills and a solid foundation that we can build upon.

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eSolutions Furniture Group Announces Closure of Business and Lenders’ Proposed Motion to Appoint Receiver

By eSolutions Furniture Group
PR Newswire
April 30, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada East

MONTREAL – eSolutions Furniture Group, including Bush Business Furniture, Bush Furniture, and Bestar, announced today that the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec, as lender and as administrative agent for the Company’s lending syndicate, is expected to present a motion on May 4, 2026 before the Superior Court of Québec under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) to appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. as receiver over the Company’s assets. …The Company’s financial position has worsened significantly since 2021. The business has faced additional pressure since 2024 due to the imposition of tariffs by the U.S. government, post-pandemic reductions in consumer demand, increased competition from offshore competitors, and ongoing cash constraints.

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Ford government pitches new strategy to protect, diversify Ontario forest sector

Northern Ontario Business
April 29, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada East

Doug Ford & Ian Dunn

The Ford government is taking “swift, strategic and decisive action” with a new strategy to protect Ontario’s staggering forest products industry. Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products Kevin Holland provided those remarks in introducing the province’s new Roadmap to Protecting the Forest Sector, in Toronto, April 28. …It’s a 10-year plan geared to give the sector a competitive edge and position the Ontario sector as a G7 leader in manufacturing and export wood products. Natural Resources Minister Mike Harris summarized the three-pillared plan as protecting forestry-related jobs and business, identifying new global markets, and growing the demand for wood products at home. …Since 2020, Holland said, the province has spent more than $350 million on forest sector innovation. Expect to see more “exciting” funding opportunities in the months ahead, he said. Holland said the road map is a step-by-step plan to promote forest products at home and aboard while building up the industry’s workforce. 

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Trump administration asks trade court to pause ruling on global tariffs

Reuters in CBC News
May 11, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States

US President Donald Trump’s administration on Monday asked a US ‌court to pause its ruling against the administration’s 10% global tariff while ​the federal government pursues an ​appeal. Last week, the US Court of International Trade ruled that the president’s 10% temporary global duties were unjustified under ‌a 1970s trade law. But the court only blocked the levies for two private importers and the state of Washington. The court ruled that Trump’s imposition of the tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 was misguided. In February, Trump imposed the so-called global tariff of 10 per cent after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down some tariffs the U.S. president had implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. CUSMA-compliant Canadian exports heading to the U.S. were exempt from the global tariff.

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Trump says federal agencies ‘must buy American’

By Ashleigh Fields
The Hill
May 10, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States

President Trump said federal agencies “must buy American”, doubling down on his push to prioritize the use of products manufactured, developed and produced in the US. …Government agencies are generally required to buy American-made products under the Buy American Act of 1933, which mandates that federal agencies acquire domestic end products for public use. However, there are several exceptions to the law including unreasonable cost, product unavailability and if domestic preference would be inconsistent with the public interest. Trump has long criticized government agencies for signing too many waivers. In a March executive order entitled “Ensuring Truthful Advertising of Products Claiming To Be Made in America,” Trump pushed forward efforts to crack down on false claims of American-made products.

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Federal court rules against new global tariffs Trump imposed after loss at the Supreme Court

The Associated Press
May 7, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States

WASHINGTON — A federal court ruled Thursday against the new global tariffs that President Trump imposed after a stinging loss at the Supreme Court. A split three-judge panel of the Court of International Trade in New York found the 10% global tariffs were illegal after small businesses sued. The court ruled 2-1 that Trump overstepped the tariff power that Congress had allowed. The tariffs are “invalid″ and “unauthorized by law,” the majority wrote. …If the administration appeals, as expected, it would first turn to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, based in Washington, and then, potentially, the Supreme Court. …Trump is taking steps to replace the tariffs that were struck down by the Supreme Court in January. …The Office of the US Trade Representative is looking into whether 16 US trading partners are overproducing goods, driving down prices and putting US manufacturers at a disadvantage.

Related coverage in:

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Trump walks back threat to rip up part of EU trade deal but tells bloc to ratify by 4 July

By Lisa O’Carroll
The Guardian UK
May 8, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, International

Donald Trump has walked back from his threat to tear up part of the US trade deal with the EU by hiking tariffs on car imports. The US president has given the EU until 4 July to implement its side of the deal, reducing tariffs to zero on most American imports, warning that the bloc would face “much higher” tariffs if it did not do so. “I’ve been waiting patiently for the EU to fulfill their side of the Historic Trade Deal we agreed in Scotland. …He made the climbdown a day after six hours of formal ratification talks in Brussels between MEPs, member states and the European Commission. …The EU has been pressing Trump to honour the deal he struck at his Scottish golf course last summer despite the supreme court ruling. But the European parliament has twice suspended the ratification process because of Trump’s threat to take over Greenland.

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U.S. Endowment Partners with Forest Products Lab to Spotlight Innovation Through Video Series

The US Endowment for Forestry and Communities
May 4, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States

The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (the Endowment) has partnered with the USDA Forest Service’s Forest Products Laboratory to highlight innovation, stewardship and economic opportunity in America’s forest products sector through a video series. The series, co-funded by the Endowment and Forest Products Laboratory, gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at groundbreaking research and unique facilities, while demonstrating how forest product innovations are delivering real-world benefits to communities, industries and ecosystems across the country. The Forest Products Laboratory is the nation’s only federally funded national wood utilization research laboratory. Located in Madison, Wis., the Forest Products Laboratory is responsible for scientific research on wood and developing innovative wood products with the objective of promoting the nation’s economy, healthy forests and quality of life for American citizens through wood and fiber utilization research.

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Forsite Announces Strategic Partnership with Flyscan to Deliver Best-in-Class Liquid Leak Detection for Pipeline Operators

Forsite
May 11, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: US East

CONROE, Texas — Today Forsite announced a strategic partnership and minority investment agreement with Flyscan Systems Inc. (Flyscan), to deliver a unified, best-in-class liquid leak, automated threat detection, geohazards and vegetation solution for pipeline operators. By joining forces, Forsite and Flyscan are combining their capabilities into a single, integrated offering designed to give operators proactive leak and threat detection under one integrated patrol service. The partnership joins Flyscan’s on-board liquid leak sensing hardware and software with Forsite’s patrol operations and data management expertise, resulting in proactive leak management and timely notifications. Forsite and Flyscan will join their threat detection offerings into a single automated threat detection service that includes real-time active detection, a cloud-based command center and a pipeline intelligence software suite, providing clients with the industry’s leading high-fidelity threat detection solution and, ultimately, fewer line strikes and early leak detection.

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West Fraser sawmill announces $70M expansion after Escambia grants an Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption (EDATE)

By Mollye Barrows
Pensacola News Journal
May 7, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US East

FLORIDA — On the heels of Escambia County adopting an ordinance to establish an Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption (EDATE) for West Fraser, the sawmill company announced a $70.25 million expansion, creating 30 new jobs. The board voted to approve the ordinance, which will give the Canada-based lumber company a 70% ad valorem tax exemption for a period of five years. Shortly after the vote, FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance announced that West Fraser has invested $70,250,000 in capital expenditures to expand its existing sawmill operation in McDavid. …The project is expected to generate substantial economic activity across Escambia County, supporting local suppliers, contractors and service providers. …Over the next five years, the estimate of the taxable value lost to the county is $70,252,000 improvements to real property, and $3,400,000 to tangible personal property.

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Vermont’s loggers are struggling. A sales tax exemption could help.

By Dana Doran, Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast
VTDigger
May 7, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: US East

Dana Doran

Vermont’s logging and forest trucking industry are crying for help. This industry asks for relatively little help in exchange for the major benefits it provides. As loggers struggle to survive the most difficult times they have ever faced, the state Legislature has an opportunity to provide relief with a sales tax exemption on repair parts for log trucks and trailers before this legislative session ends. The effort to secure such relief began in 2025 with identical bills in the state House and Senate, H.85 and S.46, to exempt log trucks and trailers from both the purchase and use tax and the sales tax. H.85 never moved forward, and a significantly pared-down version of S.46 moved from the Senate to the House, only to stall for more than a year. This year, efforts to move forward with the sales tax exemption on repair parts for log trucks and trailers finally have a chance to succeed. 

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Gov. Kemp signs forestry, land management legislation

Fox5 Atlanta
May 7, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US East

GEORGIA — Governor Brian Kemp osigned a package of forestry and natural resources legislation that state leaders and industry officials say will strengthen Georgia’s forestry economy and support rural communities. The bills were signed during an event at the headquarters of the Georgia Forestry Association and were headlined by House Bill 134, known as the Keep Georgia Forested Act. The measure allows Georgia’s existing Jobs and Investment Tax Credits to become transferable for forestry manufacturers during a five-year period, a move supporters say will help companies access capital earlier in operations and encourage hiring and investment in rural Georgia. The governor also signed House Bill 983, Senate Bill 306 and House Resolution 1008, all backed by the Georgia Forestry Association. …Georgia has about 22 million acres of commercially available forestland, according to the association. The industry supports more than 141,000 jobs statewide and generates an estimated $59 billion in annual economic impact.

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Exporters urged to prepare response to Canada’s wood product safeguard probe

The Việt Nam News
May 6, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: International

HÀ NỘI — Canada has launched a global safeguard investigation into certain imported wood products, prompting Vietnamese authorities to warn exporters to prepare for potential trade impacts and legal procedures. The Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam (TRAV) said it had received information from Việt Nam’s mission in Geneva that Canada had formally notified the WTO Committee on Safeguards following a decision by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) to initiate the probe. …TRAV has advised Vietnamese associations and exporters to review shipments of affected goods to Canada … and prepare appropriate response strategies. Manufacturers and exporters are also encouraged to register as interested parties before the May 15 deadline to safeguard their rights and interests and to prepare complete data and documentation for timely submissions. Exporters should closely monitor developments, diversify markets and assess potential financial impacts under different scenarios, including the possible imposition of safeguard measures by Canada.

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