Ottawa threw the beleaguered softwood lumber industry a bone. …The new measures include $500 million in new loan guarantees for softwood lumber companies. “Loans are only good if i can sell my prioduct and pay for those loans,” said Brian Menzies, at the Independent Wood Processors Association of BC. “At 45%, I can t sell my product into the United States.” Other steps announced include cutting freight rates. …The measures are window dressing – say some – when compared to the impact of the steel industry supports. “I’m afraid we’ve come to the point that ‘Sophies choice’ is happening and softwood lumber is the child who’s going to be left behind,” said Menzies. It’s a concern shared at Leslie Forest Products, in Delta where James Sanghera said the measures won’t make a difference. “Most of the wood we’re sending down to the States is going on truck.”

Ken Kalesnikoff

Chris Kalesnikoff

Krystle Kalesnikoff

Kalesnikoff is pleased to announce that, effective January 1, 2026, Chris Kalesnikoff will become President and Chief Executive Officer and Krystle Seed Chief Financial and Strategic Services Officer of Kalesnikoff Lumber Company and Kalesnikoff Mass Timber Inc., formally evolving to the fourth generation of family leadership. Ken Kalesnikoff, current President and CEO will turn his full-time attention to industry advocacy and will remain a Principal and a Director of Kalesnikoff’s external Advisory Board. “I am incredibly proud of Chris and Krystle’s accomplishments, as well as the entire Kalesnikoff team’s, in transitioning the company from a sawmill and lumber focus to one of North America’s leading mass timber companies and now North America’s first fully integrated mass timber modular offering,” said Ken Kalesnikoff. ” …Kalesnikoff has 375 employees in the Castlegar region, Vancouver and throughout the province and has completed over 400 mass timber projects in Canada and the US since 2020.

Kim Haakstad

VANCOUVER, BC – Kim Haakstad, President & CEO of the BC Council of Forest Industries welcomed the announcement of new federal measures to support Canada’s lumber sector as companies continue to navigate escalating U.S. duties, trade uncertainty and competitiveness challenges in international markets. The commitments announced by Prime Minister Carney reflect an important recognition of the role forestry and forest products play in the economic strength of Canada.” …While application processes are open, companies are still waiting too long for decisions. Timely rollout and clear timelines will be essential to helping workers, communities, and manufacturers manage near-term challenges.” …“As Ottawa advances these programs… it is also important for the Province of BC to continue taking action at home to improve competitiveness through predictable and economic access to logs for mills.”

• In related coverage: the BC Lumber Trade Council underscores the importance of a negotiated agreement 

Ravi Parmar @BCgov

B.C. ministers expressed conflicting feelings about a range of tariff response measures announced by the federal government on Wednesday, Nov. 26. On the one hand, an additional $1 billion is being offered to support the forest industry, which faces 45 per cent combined tariffs and duties on softwood lumber. The money for lumber is split into two $500 million funds, one for a loan program for companies through the Business Development Bank of Canada, and the other through a tariff loan program. This money comes in addition to $1.2 billion in previously announced support. It is not known how much of this money will wind up in B.C. Forests Minister Ravi Parmar reckons that if it is fairly distributed, B.C. would get about 50 per cent. Parmar applauded this extra support being announced so soon after federal tariff envoy Dominic LeBlanc came to B.C. for a forestry summit.